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Man United player could receive largest injury payout

Published 13/06/2008

A formerly promising young football player could receive the largest UK sports-injury settlement ever if his case is successful at the Manchester High Court this month.

Ben Collett was pegged to play for Manchester United when, in 2003, the then 18-year-old sportsman was tackled by a Middlesbrough FC player during a reserves match, leaving him with a severely fractured right leg. The defendant’s insurer has already admitted liability and the amount of damages will be decided on after the hearing.

Jan Levinson, the Beachcroft sports litigation lawyer acting on behalf of Mr Collett, said: “Ben was one of Manchester United’s most talented young footballers, but the seriousness of this injury ended his prospects of a promising future in the Premier League at the age of just 18. We expect that the damage to his career and loss of earnings will result in significant compensation.”

That compensation could possibly be more than £1m, making it the highest UK injury related settlement to date.

However, a source in Halliwells’ sports team said the decision will be far from easy for the court.

“In Ben’s case (a decision) is difficult as he had not made the step into the first team yet. He was, however, considered to be extremely promising (and) was only 18 when the tackle was made,” explained the solicitor.

In previous cases, such as Gordon Watson and Bradford City v Kevin Gray and Huddersfield Town, the player was already established on the team when receiving a career ending blow. Mr Watson received just under £1m in 1999.

However, the source added that, from his opinion, a payout of between £1m and £2m would not be unreasonable.

Both Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and defender Gary Neville are due to give evidence at the hearing.

This article has been reprinted with permission of the Claims Standards Council

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