Anastasia Eleftheriou, Partner and Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law

Ferney was involved in a motor vehicle accident on 5 March 2024 at the age of 24, only a few months after arriving in Australia from Colombia.

In Colombia, he had completed an engineering degree and worked as an engineer in his home country. Upon arrival in Australia, he commenced studying English and had plans to undertake further study in Project Management, with the goal of establishing a career in the construction industry.

The accident

On the day of the accident, he was working as a DoorDash delivery rider, when a vehicle pulled out from a side street and collided with his motorcycle. The force of the impact threw him from the bike, causing him to land several metres away.

As a result, he sustained severe and life-altering injuries, including extensive damage to his right leg requiring multiple surgeries, injuries requiring right hip and right elbow surgery, a kidney injury, and significant permanent scarring and psychological upset.

Future uncertainty

Ferney was an inpatient at the Royal Melbourne Hospital for several weeks before undergoing an extended period of inpatient rehabilitation. His recovery was lengthy, painful, and complex. In addition to multiple surgical procedures, he faced the physical and emotional challenges associated with prolonged hospitalisation, loss of independence, and the uncertainty surrounding his future recovery and employment prospects.

Learning new limitations

Ferney was unable to return to employment. The physical restrictions resulting from his injuries effectively prevented him from pursuing the construction career he had planned when he arrived in Australia. He can no longer ride a motorcycle and experiences significant anxiety when travelling as a passenger in a vehicle.

Having arrived in Australia with aspirations of building a career and establishing himself professionally, he instead found himself facing a lengthy recovery, chronic physical limitations, financial uncertainty, and the loss of opportunities he had worked hard to create. The combination of ongoing pain, reduced mobility, visible scarring, and anxiety associated with motor vehicles continues to affect his confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.

Rebuilding his future

Gordon Legal acted on Ferney’s behalf to pursue his TAC lump sum compensation entitlements for both impairment and common law claims, successfully obtaining compensation in recognition of the serious and life-changing consequences of the accident. Gordon Legal stood by his side throughout this difficult journey, ensuring his voice was heard and the full extent of his losses was recognised.

With compassion, dedication, and a deep understanding of the compensation process, the team worked hard to secure the financial support he needed for his recovery, treatment, and future wellbeing. The compensation outcome achieved not only recognised the profound impact the accident had on Ferney’s life, but also provided him with greater security, stability and the opportunity to focus on rebuilding his future with confidence and dignity.

Written by Anastasia Eleftheriou, Partner and Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. Last updated 10 September 2026.