Zak Shafique, now 31, suffered from Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) following the incident in March 2019. This rare condition causes an abnormal increase in the heart rate and can cause dizzy spells or fainting. 

Just 15 months into his career with the London Fire Brigade, the then-26-year-old was on his way home from Barnet Fire Station when the incident occurred. What initially appeared to be a minor crash soon escalated into a serious health crisis as Zak began experiencing debilitating symptoms that forced him to give up his frontline firefighting duties. 

“I thought it was just whiplash, but the headaches and exhaustion quickly became overwhelming,” Zak recalls. “It wasn’t until much later that I understood the full extent of my injuries.” 

As his condition worsened, Zak, a former personal trainer and semi-professional swimmer, could not return to the physically demanding work of firefighting and was forced to significantly reduce his hours, moving into an office role as a Fire Safety Adviser. 

Even that proved to be a struggle, with the glare of computer screens causing debilitating migraines. 

 

Following his ordeal, Zak instructed Thompsons Solicitors through his union membership with the FBU to pursue a compensation claim to provide him with the financial security he needed following the crash. 

His legal team, led by expert personal injury lawyer Nicola Saunders, obtained medical evidence that highlighted the extent of his injuries and the impact they would have on his life and career. 

They successfully secured a compensation package from the insurer of the driver who hit him, which will provide essential support as Zak prepares to welcome his first child this Christmas. 

“My injuries turned my life upside down,” Zak said. “It was incredibly difficult to go from being so fit and active to being unable to do even the most basic activity. I didn’t simply enjoy exercise; it was a part of my identity. 

“I’m a determined person, so as soon as I could, I went back to work, but I couldn’t do the physical aspects of the job without getting ill. Instead, I took on an office role, but even that was hard as I would get painful migraines, and I tired very easily. 

“Over time, things have improved, but I still struggle with my stamina, and that’s not likely to improve given the nature of my injuries. Thankfully, the secured compensation provides me and my partner with some financial security, which means we can get additional help and support moving forward." 

The compensation package will help Zak manage his ongoing medical needs and provide for his growing family. 

“That has given us huge peace of mind as we prepare to welcome our first child later this year, and I am very grateful to both my legal team and the FBU for their help and support to reach this point.” 

Whilst Zak initially instructed another non-trade union linked law firm, he later transferred to Thompsons to help him with his claims as it has a specialist personal injury team and is the UK's most experienced trade union law firm. 

Commenting on the case's outcome, Nicola Saunders from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Zak is an inspirational person who has worked hard to overcome many challenges. 

“He has successfully established a new career and found new hobbies and passions, but there is no denying that his life has been fundamentally impacted by his injuries. 

“We are pleased to have secured the compensation package that will allow him to access the ongoing support he needs, especially as he prepares to welcome his first child later this year. 

“Zak’s story also highlights the vital role that unions such as the FBU play in protecting their members’ rights and accessing legal support, particularly in times of crisis.” 

Mark Rowe, FBU national officer, said: “Firefighters dedicate their lives to keeping the public safe. The FBU is proud to lead the fight for health and safety in the workplace to keep the risks to which they are exposed to a minimum.   

“Zak was the victim of a life-changing accident, and even though he was on his way home from work when it occurred, he could still access legal advice and representation. He has fought bravely for compensation, and we are delighted that he now has this package to assist with his ongoing needs.   

“We wish him all the best for the future.”