British Cycling member Martin Jones has successfully brought a claim for damages against Hertfordshire Council in respect of injuries and financial losses that he suffered as a result of an incident that occurred on the 27 April 2008.
The incident occurred as Martin was returning home from a training ride that had been curtailed due to extremely bad weather conditions, which had flooded the roads with water. As Martin was cycling along Valley Road in Rickmansworth, his bike suddenly hit a large pothole that had been obscured by water. As a result, Martin was thrown from his bike and he suffered an injury to his left knee which required stitches and various cuts and grazes to his left elbow and forearm. Unfortunately because of his injuries, Martin’s competitive abilities were impaired for a month after the accident and his Giant TCR Advanced Carbon Race frame was also damaged.
After investigating the incident, Hertfordshire County Council admitted liability for the incident, but made no admissions as to the extent of Martin’s injuries and losses. Medical evidence and a settlement offer was subsequently served on the Council’s loss adjusters with a view to settling the claim without the need for court proceedings. The loss adjusters however declined to accept Martin’s settlement proposal and/or to put forward a counter offer. Court proceedings were therefore issued against the Council. The loss adjusters then agreed to enter into settlement negotiations and Martin’s damages award was agreed without the need for a court hearing. Martin received damages for his injuries and financial losses, which included the damage to his bike, clothing, prescription costs, travel expenses and care and assistance.
Martin was represented by
Penny Knight and
Anna Hart in Leigh Day & Co’s cycling and sports injuries team. Martin’s claim was supported and funded by British Cycling.
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