Accidents are always unexpected, but some are more so than others. In one case, a businessman who was struck on the head by a falling rugby post whilst watching his son play in a junior game received substantial compensation for his injuries.
The man, aged in his 40s, was watching the match from the try line when the upright post separated from the crossbar without warning and fell on him, knocking him unconscious. He suffered head and facial injuries, requiring three days of hospital treatment. Consequently, he launched proceedings against the rugby club where the match was played.
The man claimed, amongst other things, that the accident had caused a brain injury and a psychological disorder that wrecked his successful career as an independent financial adviser. The club admitted liability for the accident in full but, whilst not impugning his honesty, hotly disputed the value of his claim, particularly its impact on his earnings.
Following a six-day trial at which numerous expert and lay witnesses gave evidence, the High Court resolved those issues by awarding him over £100,000 to reflect his pain, suffering and loss of amenity, the cost of therapies and other expenses. The amount of his compensation in respect of lost earnings and pension rights, which is likely to make up the majority of his award, has yet to be finally calculated in the light of the Court's ruling.