Woman Injured at Sporting Event Wins Compensation
A spectator at a stock car race who was hurt when a lorry wheel careered over a 15 foot protective barrier has won an undisclosed six-figure sum in compensation for the injuries she suffered.
On Easter Monday in 2006, Jackie Edwards and her family were watching the last race of the day at the Hednesford Raceway in Staffordshire. As part of the race, cars were being encouraged to jump off a small ramp. After doing this, one car lost control and smashed into a lorry wheel placed in the centre of the track. Instead of absorbing the impact, the inflated wheel bounced across the track and into the crowd.
The wheel struck Mrs Edwards and she was knocked unconscious. She was airlifted to hospital and was found to have suffered a broken pelvis and a partial fracture of the neck.
Mrs Edwards’ recovery has been a slow process. Two years after the accident she still suffers frequent headaches and is unable to stand or sit for long periods of time without pain. Consequently, she has been unable to return to work.
It was evident that there had been failures in the health and safety planning for the event. United Kingdom Stock Cars admitted liability and agreed to pay an undisclosed six-figure sum in damages to Mrs Edwards.
Organisers of events such as this have a duty to spectators to assess potential risks and to take steps to minimise them. If you are injured through no fault of your own while taking part in or watching a sporting activity, we can advise you on bringing a compensation claim.
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