In 2009, our client sustained injuries whilst participating in an ‘around the world race'. The yacht was moored in the French harbour of La Rochelle when our client was asked to help hoist the skipper from another yacht, up the main mast, so that the vessel could prepare for his departure to Rio De Janeiro the following day.
As our client boarded the yacht, he reached the top of the ladder and stepped directly into a hatch that had been left open, this caused him to double over and fracture the fibula in his left leg.
Our client was rushed to a French hospital where he underwent surgery to put a pin in his leg which was then cast. Because of his injuries, our client was forced to retire from his around the world venture. Following the accident, our client still suffers from symptoms resulting from the injury and is receiving medical care from an Orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist where he resides in Australia.
Irwin Mitchell managed the compensation claim against race organiser, Clipper Ventures PLC, a UK based company. We alleged that had the novice sailors been provided with adequate training in advance of the race, the hatch would not have been left open, resulting in our clients’ injuries. Clipper Ventures PLC have admitted primary liability, we are currently obtaining further medical evidence in order to pursue the claim further.
Irwin Mitchell’s International Travel Litigation Group specialises in recovering damages for people who have sustained an injury abroad. If you have suffered an injury whilst abroad, we would like to help you achieve the compensation that you may be entitled to.