Press Release
13 July 2010
Leeds firm Stewarts Law has secured a settlement of over £5 million for a rugby league player horrifically injured when he was hit by a speeding motorbike.
Daniel Herman, head of personal injury at the firm's Bond Court offices was appointed to represent 44-year-old Brian Agard just weeks before his case was due to be heard.
The former amateur rugby league player and coach from Manchester eventually received £1 million more than the original estimated value of his claim.
"It was a race against time," said Daniel.
"We only had six weeks to get the case in order but we wanted to get the best possible outcome for Brian and his wife Maxine. It was essential the settlement took into account Brian's complicated medical needs which includes two carers at all times during the day."
The final settlement of £5.55 million has been split into a lump sum payment of £2.66 million and periodical payments of £128,000 a year.
Mr Agard, who played and coached at Waterhead Amateur Rugby League Club, Oldham, Greater Manchester, was hit by the motorbike on a February evening in 2003
His injuries were so bad when he arrived at Oldham Royal Hospital his leg had to be amputated above the knee. After the operation he suffered a pulmonary embolism which stopped his heart and starved his brain of oxygen, leaving him with extensive brain damage, completely blind and a full time wheelchair user.
The motorbike rider was convicted of dangerous driving in 2004.
After seven years fighting insurers Mr Agard and his family contacted Mr Herman, a catastrophic injury specialist despairing of ever being able to afford the full-time medical care he needed.
Thanks to the settlement, the couple and their two sons have been able to move into a specially adapted home in the Waterhead area of Oldham.
"Brian and Maxine have already been through so much and my aim was to ensure they could plan the rest of their lives together knowing Brian will be able to receive the best possible care. I am very pleased we succeeded," said Daniel.
Mrs Agard said the settlement had finally given the family peace of mind.
"It has been seven years since the accident and we are so pleased this has eventually been resolved.
"The payments mean Brian can be cared for in the best possible way with his family around him.
"I am extremely grateful to Stewarts Law for taking the case over so close to trial and dramatically adding to the value. Before I met Daniel, I was at my wits end and felt we simply couldn't achieve the settlement we have now, which means our family has a future we can look forward to."
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