Inverness doctor wins £4.5m settlement after bike crash left him paralysed

An Inverness doctor has won a £4.5m settlement after his new bike broke in half, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

Dr Daniel Gordon, who was working as a resident doctor at Raigmore Hospital, was traveling at 15mph on a grassy slope when the carbon front forks on his Planet X Tempest SRAM Force 1 titanium bike failed, and he crashed in August 2020.

He suffered life-changing spinal cord injuries and has been left with no function in his legs.

He will be a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

After the seller of the bike, Planet X, became insolvent in 2023, Dr Gordon pursued the company’s insurers, Arch Insurance (UK) Limited and Chubb European Group SE.

A five-day trial on the issue of liability was due to commence at the High Court in England on Tuesday.

However, it was agreed that the Inverness doctor would receive a sum of £4.5m.

The settlement includes a provision for Dr Gordon to return to court and seek further damages in the event he experiences a rare but serious and untreatable deterioration caused by a spinal cyst.

Dr Gordon said: “Despite a catastrophic and life-changing injury, I’ve been fortunate enough to be supported by Stewarts in pursuing a claim against Planet X’s insurers, the result of which means my future care and accommodation needs can be met.

“Stewarts have been exceptionally proficient, compassionate, and offered me clear guidance through an incredibly difficult, complex, and personally challenging time.

“I also have to thank Ewan Stirling, a friend and coach who first noticed the unusual way in which the fork sheared, without whom I would likely not have taken any action.

“I hope now to be able to move forwards and show that despite this injury, life can still be rewarding and fulfilling.”

Julian Chamberlayne, partner and head of aviation and international injury, added: “It has been a privilege to represent Danny Gordon and to achieve this settlement, which will help him fund his needs following his spinal injury.

“He has shown huge strength of character in not allowing this life-changing injury to stop him from returning to work with the NHS, and in his determination to continue cycling, now using a hand bike.

“This case has highlighted that the regulation, testing, and manufacture of gravel bikes warrants closer attention, to ensure they are safe for the adventurous use that is shown in their advertising and expected by purchasers.”