The family of a lollipop lady in South Tyneside who suffered a severe brain injury in a road accident have launched an appeal for a vital witness who saw the incident.
Lawyers are working to help get Eleanor Harman, 60, the care package she needs after spending 11 months in hospital after being knocked down while on patrol just yards from her home in Beach Road, South Shields, on February 2, 2011.
The driver, a 69-year-old woman, was last year fined £95 and received four penalty points on her licence after being found guilty of driving without due care and attention.
Mrs Harman’s husband, Harry, 71, has engaged law firm Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury team in a bid to ensure she can get the continuing support she needs to deal with the long-term effects of her injuries.
They are trying to trace witnesses, including Jessica Anne Martin, a student teacher originally from Northern Ireland who saw the incident as she travelled home from work at Westoe Crown Primary School.
She provided a statement to police and also gave evidence at the court hearing in January last year.
Mr Harman said: “Eleanor and I continue to live with the consequences of the incident every day.
“Her injuries mean she is simply unable to have the same independence she enjoyed.
“We would be hugely grateful for anyone who witnessed the incident, including Ms Martin, to come forward with information.”
When she was hit, Mrs Harman had been getting ready to guide a mother and her pram across the road. The smash left her with a swollen brain.
As she began her recovery, doctors transferred her to a specialist brain injuries unit at Walkergate Park, Newcastle, where she spent nearly a year.
John Davis, a partner in the serious injury team at the law firm’s Newcastle office, said: “We are determined to gain justice for this family.
“It is heartbreaking that Mrs Harman suffered this terrible injury while simply doing her job.
“Any information related to the day could prove absolutely vital in our efforts to secure her the vital support she needs.”
Mr Davis can be contacted on 279 0098.
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