Promising footballer wins £5m payout for bike accident
Friday, July 27th, 2012A young footballer who had dreams of playing in the Premier League has been awarded £5m in compensation for injuries he suffered in a scooter accident.
Luke Broke, then 16, was driving his scooter in Thornton Heath, London, in January 2002 when he was struck head-on by a van.
The van’s driver attempted to make a right turn without noticing that Mr Brock was driving towards him.
He suffered serious injuries in the accident, including fractures to both wrists, his right femur, right elbow and right ankle.
Mr Brock, now 26, also suffered a brain injury which caused severe post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, he had to drop out of his Business Studies course at Coulsdon College, and give up on his hopes of becoming a professional footballer.
The court was told how Mr Brock’s “pathological reaction” to the accident caused a major depressive episode, and he now lives as a recluse.
His mother provides him with 24-hour care.
Mr Brock will receive a lump-sum compensation payout of £2.05m, plus annual payments of £50,000 for the rest of his life.
His injury solicitor, Phillip Scarles, said: “Not only did he sustain severe orthopaedic injuries and develop chronic pain, he also developed severe psychological disorders.
“His mother’s care for him in very difficult living circumstances has been outstanding.
“This award will enable Mr Brock to move with his family to a home more suitable and will enhance his quality of life as much as possible.”
