Young footballer’s career derailed by medical negligence – A case of preventable injury

A promising young footballer’s dream of playing professionally was shattered due to a routine physiotherapy treatment gone wrong. At just 15 years old, he was on the verge of earning a professional contract when an avoidable injury ended his career. This case study highlights the legal battle that followed, detailing the challenges of proving medical negligence in a professional sport setting and the ultimate success in securing a significant settlement.

The Claimant’s parents approached Russell-Cooke partner Lucy Lawson as a specialist in personal injury law as she was recommended to them by a family member following settlement of their case.

This case involved a 15-year-old football player who had a two-year training contract with a premier league football club.  At the time, the young footballer was waiting to hear that he would be accepted onto the scholarship programme to begin his professional career.  

The mechanism of injury – conflicting testimonies

The young footballer had been playing a game against another premiership club in the under 16 squad and developed some back pain during the match.  He was referred to the club’s physiotherapist who diagnosed a twisted pelvis.

He underwent a course of physiotherapy at the club’s request and on their premises. He had a short course of physiotherapy and returned to some light training. It was at that stage that another physiotherapist took over his exercises, one of which was the flexing of the hip and the knee.

Suddenly and without warning the physiotherapist pushed the Claimant’s right leg towards his chest with the physiotherapist placing all of his body weight behind the Claimant’s foot as he pushed down. This resulted in a loud pop in the footballer’s right knee and he was immediately unable to straighten his leg or stand. The senior physiotherapist examined him and took him to the local Accident and Emergency Department.

Unfortunately, the young footballer had sustained a bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus of the right knee during the stretching exercise with the physiotherapist.  He had to undergo knee surgery to repair the meniscus. He underwent a long and extensive physiotherapy course and as a result he was unable to return to any form of football or training until late November 2024. 

Establishing liability – Independent contractor vs. Club responsibility

Lucy Lawson arranged for a specialist consultant orthopaedic knee surgeon to examine the Claimant and to support a case on causation and unfortunately it became clear that the actions of the physiotherapist had caused more serious life-long injuries.

This young man would be restricted to sedentary employment in the long-term. Things became more difficult when it became clear that by the age of 62, he was more likely than not to require a knee replacement.

A claim was made against the premiership football club and it was agreed that the physiotherapist was working as an independent contractor, carrying his own medical malpractice insurance, and the claim would be one of medical negligence.

The background of the case was agreed but what was denied was the mechanism of the injury. The physiotherapist put forward a set of circumstances that he performed the manoeuvre in a slow and controlled manner and that he did not breach his duty of care.

Role of orthopaedic experts in proving causation

The key to this case was obtaining the best expert evidence. 

In any claim of this nature there are two aspects that need to be shown in order to be successful:

1. That the physiotherapist breached their duty of care to the footballer in that the treatment given was such that no responsible body of physiotherapist would have done the same thing.
2. That the injury cause was more than likely to have flowed from that breach of duty of care.

Overcoming disputed evidence in medical negligence cases

Of course, this was a dispute between the parties in that two very different versions of events with regard to the same exercise were put forward and it was for the footballer to prove that the exercise was such that no responsible body of physiotherapist would have done the same thing.

In a case like this, it is very key to rely upon a balanced expert with a good reputation who will rely upon evidence and current literature to support his opinion. The footballer would be successful in court if his expert evidence is preferred to the physiotherapist’s.

Furthermore, it is very important to establish that the injury was caused by the breach of duty of care.  

Alternative dispute resolution – the role of joint settlement meetings

This was a case that was hotly disputed and court proceedings were issued, expert evidence was disclosed and it was listed for a three-day trial in the High Court.

Litigation should always be a last resort and a meeting was proposed between the parties known as a joint settlement meeting which is a kind of mediation to try and resolve this case prior to trial.

The parties met and agreed to settle for a six-figure sum together with payment of the Claimant’s legal costs in full.

The terms of the settlement and the parties remain confidential. 

The mechanism of injury was disputed, with the physiotherapist presenting a different version of events.

This created a challenge in proving that the treatment was negligent and that it directly led to the serious injury.

The success of this case hinged on obtaining credible expert evidence, which ultimately supported the Claimant’s case.

How to identify medical negligence in sports treatment

Athletes—whether professional or amateur—must be aware of their rights when undergoing treatment. Physiotherapists owe a duty of care, and improper treatment that results in avoidable injuries may give rise to a medical negligence claim.

The importance of seeking legal advice after a sports injury

This case underscores the importance of specialist legal representation in sports injury claims. A solicitor experienced in medical negligence and personal injury law can provide the best chance of securing compensation for lost career opportunities and long-term medical expenses.

This case study highlights the devastating impact that poor physiotherapy treatment can have on a young athlete’s career. Through expert legal strategy and medical evidence, the Claimant successfully secured a significant financial settlement, ensuring his future financial security despite the loss of his football career.