£4 million for broken leg

Collett v (1) Smith and (2) Middlesbrough Football & Athletics Company (1986) Ltd [2008] EWHC 1962 QBD

The claimant was 18 years old when he was injured by a negligent tackle while playing in Manchester United’s reserve team. He suffered fractures of both the tibia and fibula of his right leg from which he failed to make a full recovery. Vicarious liability was conceded. The claimant had shown great promise being recruited to Manchester United’s Youth Academy at the age of nine and he could eventually have been recruited to Manchester United’s first team. It was probable that his career would have been in either the Premiership or the Championship. He was awarded £35,000 for pain and suffering, £456,000 for loss of past earnings and £3,854,328 for future loss of earnings. His pension loss was yet to be determined.