How Resolute Law Group Helped Bridget Overcome a Life-Changing Injury Test

For athletes, the pursuit of excellence often comes with risks. When injury occurs through no fault of their own, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. This was the reality for Bridget, a Canadian track and field athlete whose dreams were suddenly interrupted by multiple concussions following serious motor vehicle accidents. Alongside the physical and emotional challenges, Bridget also faced the uncertainty of navigating complex legal and insurance processes.

With the support of Resolute Law Group, Bridget found the legal guidance and advocacy she needed to focus on what mattered most: her health, her recovery, and her future in sport. Her journey reflects both resilience and the vital role that professional legal representation plays in helping injured athletes move forward with confidence.

Bridget’s Story – From TBI to Pro Athlete

My name is Bridget and I’m a semi-pro 400 Meter Hurdle Track & Field athlete in the Canadian Track & Field League (CTFL). I experienced several Traumatic Brain Injuries along my journey and I’d like to share my story in hopes that it may inspire, encourage, or help anyone currently navigating their own adversity.

After wrapping up my collegiate track & field career with several prestigious accomplishments including University Athlete of the Year, Conference MVP and placing 6th in the country in an event I began that year, I knew my journey as an athlete was not over yet. I had big dreams of representing Canada and qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games. I decided to move across the country to work as a teacher while training for Track & Field and having the opportunity to try Bobsleigh after being recruited through RBC Training Ground. I was working and training full time to make ends meet as a young professional while gripping tight to my dream of becoming a professional athlete.

In May 2018, while driving to practice after teaching and coaching, I was involved in a not-at-fault motor vehicle accident where I was rear ended at high speed on the highway. I broke my nose on my steering wheel, was knocked unconscious for a short time, and my car was totalled. I was taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital and upon close assessment, it was determined I had suffered several soft tissue injuries as well as sustained a severe concussion. I proceeded with recommended medical treatments, return-to-work protocol and eased back into training and competing again several weeks later, although my capacity was limited. Everything was healing and I was focusing on being grateful for that instead of focusing on the time and training I had lost as the 2020 Olympic Games approached. I continued to deal with intermittent headaches, mood swings, exhaustion and other post concussive symptoms throughout the next several months, but I was able to work and train again, so I was taking that as a win.

In January 2019, Bobsleigh Canada reached out again to recruit me for the North American Cup. With my setback in track, this felt like my chance to make an Olympic team! An explosive 5-6 seconds of power-sprinting and sliding down a hill sounded like fun! After a few days of training and 2 terrifying runs down the track, my body and brain were not prepared to handle such an intense experience. Although the coaches were excited about my results, I came away with bruises all over my body and my concussion symptoms had returned. I knew this was not the sport for me. I spent weeks dealing with acute concussion symptoms and seeking medical treatment. Again, I took the time recommended and followed the return to work protocol, but this time, returning to training was much harder. While driving to work several weeks later, I was involved in a second not-at-fault motor vehicle accident where I was T-boned on icy roads and sustained my 3rd concussion within 9 months.

The compounded concussions left me with severe post-concussive symptoms for the next several years. I experienced severe migraines with nausea on a daily basis, headaches, dizziness, fainting, inability to regulate heart rate and blood pressure (later diagnosed as POTS), extreme sensitivity to light and noise, brain fog, forgetfulness, extreme mood swings, depression, anxiety, apathy, exhaustion, overwhelm, and more. I experienced post traumatic stress regarding driving, so I worked with psychologists to help me return to driving again. Even short, necessary commutes took an immense emotional and energetic toll on me for years. My social life was basically eliminated. I was unable to work or train.

Although the life I had created felt like it was crumbling around me, I was determined to heal as fast as possible. There still could be time to qualify for Tokyo by June 2020! I tried every medical treatment available. Physio, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, psychology, neurology, energy healing – you name it. I refused long-term medication, believing I could heal naturally and protect my athletic career and long-term health. I was in and out of work for 18 months, and at one point, I was off work for six months consecutively, barely functioning. My training capacity was inconsistent at best and mainly non-existent. It was isolating, painful, and terrifying. What made it worse was the lack of understanding I faced from my employment and associated health insurance company. I was told I was exaggerating. Accused of faking. Reports from insurance evaluators dismissed my symptoms altogether. I was left without any financial support during one of the darkest times in my life. It was heartbreaking to feel like I had to fight for the legitimacy of my pain while also trying to survive it.

Eventually, I turned to my uncle, a lawyer in Nova Scotia, who referred me to Resolute Law. From my very first meeting with Murray Harris, I felt lighter. Finally – someone who believed me, who listened. I handed over everything I had: receipts, reports, records, and the full story. Murray took it all in stride and told me we had a strong case. Over the next four years, his confidence and professionalism gave me the security to focus on healing. I could finally invest in the care I needed, without constant fear of financial ruin. While my legal team handled the battle I couldn’t fight, I fought my own – to reclaim my health and my life.

A pivotal moment came when I was referred by my trusted chiropractor, Dr. Aaron Nardella, to a chiropractic neurologist, Dr. Nathan Keiser. My Dad flew across the country to be by my side while I spent five intense days undergoing hours of daily treatment – everything from tilt-table training to eye-tracking and vestibular retraining. I left that clinic changed. Within weeks, my symptoms drastically improved. I was finally getting my brain back. I worked hard to create a positive and optimistic mindset and to unapologetically advocate for myself and my needs – especially in navigating my return
to work and to competition. I called on my inner circle of family and friends to help me when I needed it.

From there, everything shifted. I returned to full-time teaching and training for a year, proving to myself that I was capable again. Then I pivoted: I left the classroom to pursue track & field full-time. I trained in Kelowna with an elite coach, and that year I was drafted into the Canadian Track & Field League, cut two seconds off my 400m hurdle time, and won gold at the CTFL Championships.

The next year, I moved back to the East Coast to be near my support system, started a gluten-free baking business to help fund my training, and began working with my brother – a highly skilled 400mH specific coach. That season, I placed 5th at Nationals, with more personal best performances across all my sprint and hurdle events and knew I had what it took to aim even higher.

With growing results, the confidence I had in myself and my potential was back at an all-time high. I started reaching out to companies and individuals for sponsorships and I was surprised by the support I was met with. I discovered that because I believed so strongly in myself, others were willing to believe in me and support me as well. I became an athlete ambassador for our local halifax running store, Aerobics First along with New Balance. I was supported by local athletic therapy professionals and my beloved sport psychologist. These partnerships, including the continued support of Resolute Law, allowed me to pursue my athletic career without the constant weight of financial stress.

In 2024 it was time to capitalize on my shot at making the Paris Olympics! With my legal case finally closed, I was able to clear the debts I’d accumulated and invest fully in my Olympic pursuit. I competed in over 30 races across Canada and the U.S., setting new personal bests in almost every event and cutting another full second off of my 400m hurdle time. I competed in National and World tour meets alongside some of the world’s top 400m hurdlers. I stood on the start line at Olympic Trials, made the final, and placed 5th in Canada in one of the most competitive years.

Although I didn’t qualify for Paris, I went on to win the Canadian Track & Field League while scoring the most points ever recorded in CTFL history. It was my most successful season yet, and the most joyful one, too. Although my story could end here, and I would be proud of the accomplishments and obstacles I have overcome to date, my love of the sport keeps me going! My passion lies with unleashing my true potential and pushing my limits in the sport of Track & Field. It is a true joy to be healthy enough to compete again and I will never take that for granted.

I remember just a few years ago waking up crying in frustration with overwhelming concussion symptoms for what felt like the millionth day in a row, and wondering if THIS was how the rest of my life would be. And now, standing on the start line, the finish line, the podium and proudly before you, I’m here to tell you that it’s not. Every day I would tell myself: You will get through this. One day at a time. One hour at a time. One minute at a time. What is ONE thing I can do TODAY to move a step in the right direction? It may take longer than you hope. Your healing journey may be different than you expect. But you WILL get through – stay positive, keep looking for the opportunities, the silver linings, keep taking chances, seeking support, believing in your own resilience and keep fighting for yourself!

And to Resolute Law – thank you. Thank you for seeing me when others didn’t, for fighting on my behalf when I couldn’t, and for making my second chance possible. Your support didn’t just help me recover – it helped me reclaim my life.

The dream continues. And I’m just getting started.

Support for Athletes and Personal Injury Victims in Calgary

Bridget’s journey shows how the right legal support can make all the difference after a serious injury. At Resolute Law Group, we understand the unique challenges athletes and personal injury victims face when recovery collides with legal and financial pressures. Our lawyers provide strategic guidance, compassionate advocacy, and around-the-clock availability to ensure clients receive the support they need during difficult times. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today for a consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the outcome you deserve.