A former British Olympian sprinter who suffered life-changing injuries after a crash that ended his career has received a six-figure payout.
James Ellington, 38, suffered serious injuries whilst he was a passenger on a motorbike that collided with a car in Tenerife in January 2017. James, a 100 metre and 200 metre specialist, represented Great Britain at the London and Rio Olympics in 2012 and 2016. He was also a two-time relay gold medallist with Great Britain at the 2014 and 2016 European Championships, and also competed in the 2021 British Athletics Championships.
In the accident, James broke multiple bones in his legs as well as fractures to his eye socket, pelvis and ankle. James, who lost six pints of blood, was in intensive care and spent a total of four weeks in hospital. He underwent a series of operations and had a carbon fibre rod inserted in his right leg as well as screws and bolts in his legs.
James said: "The hardest thing to try and come to terms with was that at the time of the collision I was running faster than I ever had. I had real confidence about future success for myself and my country. While the day of the collision will always live with me, I also know I'm fortunate to have survived it."
James Ellington, re-learning to walk (Irwin Mitchell/SWNS)Injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigated James's case to help him access the continued treatment he requires to overcome his injuries the best he can. In 2022, the Spanish motor insurers of fellow British sprinter Nigel Levine, who was driving the motorbike at the time of the collision, admitted liability for James's damages.
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But whilst James tried to make a comeback on the track, his injuries were so severe that he was unable to return to global competition. He was forced to officially retire at the end of the 2023 season. James said: "I tried absolutely everything I could to return to top-level athletics. I trained harder and was more dedicated than ever, but sadly my body was unable to cope with the demands following the incident.
"I wanted to carry on but deep down I knew I had to call it a day. When I did it was an emotional time, but I can look myself in the mirror knowing I gave it my all and it just wasn't to be." Ahead of a planned hearing in the High Court this year to set the level of his damages, James's' legal team at Irwin Mitchell and the insurers have now agreed an out of court six-figure settlement.
The money will help fund James's ongoing rehabilitation and also compensate for his international career ending earlier than expected. The claim was not against Nigel Levine and he had no role or involvement in the case. James has set up a consultancy business called Velocity Pro and plans to offer advisory and coaching sessions to various sports clubs - as well as offer motivational public speaking sessions.
James Ellington at the Rio 2016 Olympics (Barcroft)"I've always tried to remain upbeat. Now that I can finally put the legal case behind me it's time to focus on the future," he added. "Athletics has been my life for many years and has given me so many opportunities. I feel I have so much to offer, not only fellow athletes but also the wider sporting community, and now is the time to try give something back.
"I can't thank everyone enough for all the help and support they've given me, not only over the last seven years but throughout my career. I'm ready to embrace this new chapter and pass on some what I've learned to help others."
Kylie Hutchison, a specialist international sports injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing James, says that James has shown "remarkable resilience and perseverance" throughout his recovery journey. She added: "While nothing can make up for what James has had to endure, we're pleased that we've been able to settle this case, allowing James to now focus on his future plans."
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