Millions Awarded to Badly Injured Cyclist

A cyclist who was hit by a lorry after he collided with barriers around electrical works has won a settlement worth millions of pounds in compensation for the life-changing injuries he suffered.

Alexander Kotula, 27, fell into works barriers on a busy narrow road. There were no warning signs around the works, nor was there a safety zone between the barrier and the traffic. He was then hit by a passing lorry and suffered devastating injuries.

Mr Kotula, who worked as a police constable before the accident, now has to rely on a wheelchair to move around because of the severe spinal and internal injuries he suffered.

He brought a personal injury claim against EDF Energy Networks plc and contractors Morrison Utility Services Ltd. and Birch Utilities Ltd., which were responsible for the works. The companies admitted failing to ensure a one-metre pedestrian passage, but argued that Mr Kotula was partly responsible for the accident because he had been cycling on the pavement.

The judge in the High Court took a different view, however, finding that Mr Kotula was justified in cycling on the pavement rather than on the narrow, busy road. The companies were held to be entirely responsible for the accident. Mr Kotula was awarded a lump sum of £2.5 million, index-linked payments of £30,000 per year to cover his care costs, and £16,000 per year for lost earnings until he reaches retirement age.