Injury Compensation awarded after a career-ending tackle

Ben Collett, who had played in Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup-winning team, was awarded just over £4.3 million in damages after his right leg was broken in two places during a tackle which ended his football career.

Ben had joined Manchester United’s youth academy aged nine and his style of play had been likened to Ryan Giggs, player for both Manchester United and Wales. Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Captain, Gary Neville, gave evidence of Ben Collett’s football skills and promise.

Nine years after joining the youth academy, Ben was playing for Manchester United’s first reserve team when he was tackled by a Middlesbrough player. The injury stopped Ben signing a contract with the potential to earn millions in match fees and merchandising deals. Under the contract, he could have earned over £13,000 a week, totalling more than £16 million if he’d been able to play until aged 35.

Middlesbrough FC admitted liability. The High Court awarded Ben Collett £35,000 for general damages in respect of injury and suffering, £456,095 for past loss of earnings and £3,854,328 for future loss of earnings. Ben will also get an additional sum, to be decided at a later hearing, for the loss of pension he would have earned had he been able to continue playing football.

Ben is now hoping to attend university to study for an English degree. The judge praised his positive attitude towards his studies and finding an alternative career.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, please call Ashley Hunt on 0116 212 1000 for a free initial discussion or complete one of our on-line forms. Alternatively text ‘accident’ to 07968 888857 and we’ll call you back.