David Montague-Rendall Injured In Accident In Denmark
09/08/2010
An opera singer from Hampshire has vowed to continue his battle for justice after he was involved in a serious accident while performing in Denmark.
David Montague-Rendall (known professionally as David Rendall) was performing as Principal Tenor in Aida at the Royal Danish Theatre in April 2005. Falling debris from the stage, which was collapsing on top of him, caused him to fall 15 feet to the ground.
Mr Montague-Rendall suffered multiple injuries, including a shattered left hip. He also damaged both shoulders and his left knee.
The fall caused Mr Montague-Rendall’s existing mild osteoarthritis in his left knee to worsen, and he eventually needed a total knee joint replacement in October 2005. In August 2005 the singer also underwent a hip replacement and then extensive shoulder surgery.
Following the accident Mr Montague-Rendall began to see bookings dry up as concerns were raised about his ability to perform to the same standard as before.
The 61-year-old singer has now instructed international lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him in his battle for justice.
The owners of the theatre, the Danish Ministry of Culture, have acknowledged responsibility for the accident but have refused to accept the level of lost earnings as a result.
Demetrius Danas of Irwin Mitchell said: “Our client’s life was completely turned upside down because of the injuries he sustained when the stage collapsed.
“Mr Montague-Rendall’s lost earnings are considerable and, although he has received some recompense, it is insignificant considering the fact that his career has been ruined and he has been forced to sell his house.
“That the defendant has admitted liability but refuse to acknowledge the extent of the damage caused is unjust and so Mr Montague-Rendall’s case will now be heard at court in Denmark where we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of our client.”
The Theatre admitted liability for the fall in March 2006 and made a statutory payment to Mr Montague-Rendall as required under Danish health and safety law. Travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have now issued court proceedings on Mr Montague-Rendall’s behalf.
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