Takeover claim for client with neurological issues following accident at PureGym | Fieldfisher
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Case Study

Takeover claim for client with neurological issues following accident at PureGym

Keith Barrett
People exercise on treadmills in a well-lit gym. In the foreground, a man with a beard, wearing a bright orange shirt and earphones, runs on a treadmill with a phone strapped to his arm. Two people are visible in the background, also using treadmills.

Keith Barrett recently took over from another law firm a sports injury claim on behalf of Pawel Opalach who suffers with ongoing neurological and psychological problems including post-concussion syndrome, panic attacks and profound headaches after an Olympic barbell fell on top of him while he was running on a treadmill at PureGym in Leicester.

The barbell had been left leaning against a free-weight power rack and struck Mr Opalach on the right side of his head while he was running. He was subsequently diagnosed with concussion at the Royal Infirmary, Leicester.

Mr Opalach, who moved to the UK from Poland aged 9, was studying for a Biological Sciences degree at Leicester University at the time of the incident. Although he went on to achieve his degree, he encountered severe problems with concentration and motivation following his concussion, needing long extensions for his course work and final exams.

He has since had to move to a part-time Masters in neuroscience at the University College London rather than being able to study full-time because his ongoing problems affect his ability to pursue his studies. Witness statements from family and friends report concerns that Mr Opalach's character has dramatically changed since the accident, leaving him much less sociable and with difficulties with everyday life.

An official health and safety report from Leicester Council, which reviewed CCTV footage from the gym, concluded that the defendant – PureGym – had negligently misplaced the barbell which led to the accident.

Keith was instructed to take over the case in May 2022 and continues to pursue the claim.

Since then, Mr Opalach said:

'I want you all to know that you are incredible professionals and warm, empathetic, and compassionate individuals that any client would be most fortunate to have.  Thank you again for the fantastic work you have done for me amid my claim. 

'The truth is that but for you agreeing to take over the claim back in June 2022, I would most likely not have received the right legal support, the right expert support, the right treatment, and the significant funds.

'If not for your efforts, the prospect of true recovery would have been a distant dream, but now I can look forward to working on getting better and moving on with my life to achieve my dreams and goals. Keith, you are a wonderful person, stellar litigator, and I am beyond thankful for all your work. Thank you.'

Contact us

For further information about personal injury claims and sports injury claims, please call Keith Barrett on 03304606783 or email keith.barrett@fieldfisher.com.

Alternatively

All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.

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Sports Injury Claims