£5.55m payout for rugby star

FURTHER details emerged today about the multi-million-pound compensation payout for former Waterhead rugby league star Brian Agard.

The 44-year-old has been awarded a final settlement of £5.55 million, split into a lump sum payment of £2.66 million and periodical payments of £128,000 per year.

The Chronicle reported yesterday how Brian’s life was wrecked when he was hit by a speeding motorbike as he crossed the road seven years ago.

It resulted in the Greenacres man having one leg amputated above the knee. But complications after surgery also left him brain damaged and blind.

Mr Agard, who played and coached at Waterhead Amateur Rugby League Club, sued the rider of the motorbike, Lee Horrocks, of Greenhill Cottages, Mossley, who was convicted of dangerous driving in 2004.

He and his wife Maxine have been fighting Mr Horrocks’ insurers for almost seven years for a financial settlement to cover the enormous costs of the care he will need for the rest of his life.

Lawyer Daniel Herman stepped in at the last minute, six weeks before the trial date.

The catastrophic injury specialist at Stewarts Law in Leeds, said: “It was a race against time as we only had six weeks to get the case in order but we wanted to get the best possible outcome for Brian and Maxine.

“Fortunately we managed to add more than £1 million to the settlement.”

The payout takes into account Brian’s need for two carers at all times during the day. The couple and their two sons have now been able to move into a specially adapted home.

Mr Herman said: “Brian and Maxine have already been through so much. 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.”

Mrs Agard said the settlement had finally given the family peace of mind.

She said: “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.”