Collapsing stage ends opera singer’s career
09/08/2010
A British opera singer has vowed to continue his battle for justice after his career was effectively ended following a serious accident in Denmark.
David Montague-Rendall (known professionally as David Rendall), was performing as Principal Tenor in Aida at the Royal Danish Theatre in April 2005 when he was thrown 15 feet to the ground by falling stage debris.
The performer suffered from multiple injuries, including a shattered left hip, damage to both shoulders and an injury to his left knee. The fall also caused Mr Montague-Rendall’s existing mild osteoarthritis in his left knee to worsen, resulting in him undergoing a total knee joint replacement in October 2005. In August 2005 the singer also underwent a hip replacement and then extensive shoulder surgery.
Following the accident and subsequent operations, the 61-year-old saw bookings dry up as concerns were raised over his ability to perform to the same high standards. He has since instructed personal injury solicitors at Irwin Mitchell to help him in his battle for justice.
The owners of the theatre, the Danish Ministry of Culture, have acknowledged responsibility for the accident but have so far refused to accept the level of lost earnings as a result.
Demetrius Danas, a solicitor for Irwin Mitchell who specialises in claims for accidents abroad, said: “Our client’s life was completely turned upside down because of the injuries he sustained when the stage collapsed.
“Mr Montague-Rendall’s lost earnings are considerable and, although he has received some recompense, it is insignificant considering the fact that his career has been ruined and he has been forced to sell his house.
“That the defendant has admitted liability but refused to acknowledge the extent of the damage caused is unjust and so Mr Montague-Rendall’s case will now be heard at court in Denmark where we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of our client.”
The Theatre admitted liability for the fall in March 2006 and made a statutory payment to Mr Montague-Rendall as required under Danish health and safety law. Travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have now issued court proceedings on Mr Montague-Rendall’s behalf.
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