Josh Senior, of Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells, entitled to £5million pay out after parachute accident at Rock UK, Carroty Wood, Tonbridge
12:53, 23 April 2015
A personal trainer who broke his back and lost a foot after falling 30ft during a simulated parachute jump could receive more than £5million in compensation, a judge has ruled.
Josh Senior, of Pembury, suffered devastating injuries when a cable he was descending on snapped at an activity centre in Carroty Wood, near Tonbridge, five years ago.
The 26-year-old was initially paralysed, but regained movement after his right foot was amputated.
Brave Mr Senior fought back to continue his career in fitness - and is now due a damages payout worth millions, a judge at the High Court revealed.
Judge Graham Robinson said Mr Senior’s then employer Rock UK Adventure Centres Ltd had admitted liability for the horrific accident.
Although the size of the award has yet to be assessed, the judge revealed Mr Senior is claiming payments totaling more than £5 million.
He said Mr Senior had been "grievously injured" in the accident.
"Mr Senior was tragically injured in an accident for which the defendant is responsible..." - David Heaton QC
Now a father-of-one, Mr Senior was using a device called a parafan, which slows a descent from height to simulate a parachute drop.
But when he jumped from the climbing tower at Rock UK, the cable failed and he fell.
Initially paralysed, Mr Senior made a good recovery from his spinal injuries, spending some time at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
His ankle however, was too badly damaged and he had to have the foot amputated in 2013.
The judge heard Mr Senior’s case is due to return to court this summer for a full assessment of his damages.
He is seeking an order which will include annual periodical payments to cover the cost of his care for the rest of his life.
Rock UK’s barrister David Heaton QC said: "Mr Senior was tragically injured in an accident for which the defendant is responsible and against whom there is a judgment."
The judge said cable manufacturer Pfeifer Rope & Tackle Ltd, of Marchwood, Southampton, has agreed to cover Rock UK’s damages bill.
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