When the wheels of an accident start turning, it serves as a stark reminder of the crucial importance of road safety. But what happens when a trusty steed turns against the rider? The gripping tale of Ben Norbury, the founder of myWindsock, underscored the devastating consequences of neglecting cycling mishaps. While road safety is often taken for granted, his case marked a lesson learned the hard way, with an impact that was far from negligible.
A devoted rider was out on a leisurely cycling trip at a modest 15 mph when the unimaginable unfolded before him. Reportedly, the man’s beloved Giant Propel Advanced 2, a symbol of two-wheeled freedom, broke apart beneath him, disrupting his serene ride. As the bike disintegrated, Ben had no time to avoid the upcoming fall, and the consequences were nothing short of devastating. After struggling his way through a notorious recovery schedule, the cycling enthusiast took the matter into his own hands, initiating a lawsuit.
Cycling mishap unleashes life-threatening injuries
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While accidents are no rarity in urban areas, the aftermath of this incident had a sobering wake-up call. The breakdown, a chilling reminder of the perils of cycling trips, unfolded while Ben was enjoying a fun trip, unsuspecting its brutal ending. As the bicycle fell off, in a swift instant, the crash left him with not one, not two, but four spinal fractures. Suffering a broken back with severe damage to different body parts, this unexpected injury was capable of shattering dreams and changing lives forever. But that was just the beginning, as a series of dramatic events took off in no time.
Read More: Cycling fans left unhappy with Olympics champion after he wins bronze medal after an ugly collision
Reportedly, the unfortunate cycling enthusiast, who bore the brunt of the crash, grappled with serious injuries that upended his professional life. After the initial investigation, the local authorities revealed their perception of the crash, while Ben fought his recovery battle under adequate medical attention. Shockingly, the initial reaction from Giant’s UK arm was to deny liability, as they pointed the finger at Ben, claiming that his alterations had triggered the moment. Remarkably, the cycling lover did not let it go, urging to earn justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Unexpected accident ends in legalities
While the Giant manufacturing organization declared that the reason behind this accident was the stem and handlebar modifications, they were caught off-guard in a twist. As the wheels of justice began to turn, the winds of change blew, with Norbury going for a stern lawsuit. So, what caused this horrific ordeal? Ben’s barrister, Adam Korn, mentioned a manufacturing flaw that was ultimately labeled as a possible reason. Specifically, the adhesive bond between the steerer tube and the bike’s carbon fork seemed to malfunction.
Although it was a detail that can be easy to overlook, in this case, it had life-altering outcomes, as Korn drew the bigger picture. Ben’s passion for cycling, once an exhilarating part of his life, has been cruelly wrenched away after the cycling incident. Subsequently, the corrective spinal surgery could not erase his pain, while lingering neck issues and headaches became his unwelcome companions. Suggesting that inadequate surface preparation may have been the culprit behind his sufferings, Korn led Ben down the path of legal victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Now, the company had to openly admit their fault, while the impending compensation hinted at reaching a staggering approximation of $247,000 (£200,000). As cycling persona Ben Norbury encountered side-effects like mood swings and memory problems, the scars were much more than just physical. Witnessing a fear of cycling, despite his yearning to return to the open road, Ben hoped to win over this formidable obstacle, waiting to make a comeback.
Watch This Story: Mastering the art of bicycling in a suit
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.