NASUWT membership does not just provide important benefits for teachers, but also their family members, as one Buckinghamshire couple discovered following a life changing incident.

David Bentley, 67, from Milton Keynes was left with permanent injuries following a head on collision with a drunk driver in November 2018.

As a result of his wife’s NASUWT membership David was able to access legal support and with the help of the Union’s partners, Thompsons Solicitors, has secured a six-figure compensation settlement.

The collision left Mr Bentley, a search dog handler, with fractures to his ribs, sternum, left wrist, both legs, and feet.

Since the incident, Mr Bentley has undergone multiple operations with many metal plates, and screws implanted in his feet and legs. He is still receiving treatment and physiotherapy. Mr Bentley has been forced to take early retirement from his job as a result of his injuries.

In April 2020, the other driver was sentenced to four months in prison and disqualified from driving for five years. He was uninsured and was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Mr Bentley said: “The collision has had a devastating impact on my life. The actions of a drunk driver have not only affected me personally, in terms of my physical and psychological health and well-being but also caused severe distress to my wife, children and grandchildren.

“I can no longer physically do many activities I used to do before the incident. I love doing DIY and gardening, but I’m restricted now as I can’t climb ladders and find kneeling on the ground difficult.

“Thank goodness I could access free legal advice and claim compensation through my wife’s trade union membership.”

NASUWT members and their families are entitled to free legal advice and representation as part of their union membership.