A routine day on a mountain biking trail turned into a life-altering tragedy for a Norfolk rider, who is now seeking more than £200,000 in damages after a devastating crash left him paralysed from the chest down.
Experienced Rider Takes Legal Action After Devastating Crash
Dominic Pearson, 39, from Thetford, has launched a legal claim against Chicksands Bike Park in Bedfordshire following a serious accident that occurred on January 9, 2022.
The former army mechanic argues that shortcomings in the park’s safety measures contributed to the crash that permanently changed his life.
The lawsuit, filed at London’s High Court, alleges that the bike park failed to provide adequate warnings, trail information, and safety assessments that could have prevented the incident.
Blind Bend Led to Split-Second Decision
According to court documents, Mr Pearson was riding along Snake Run, an expert-level trail classified as a double black diamond route, when he encountered what he describes as an unexpected gap jump shortly after navigating a blind corner.
Although an experienced mountain biker, he typically avoided jumps by taking alternative routes known as “chicken runs.”
He had never previously attempted a gap jump, a feature that requires riders to launch from one ramp and land on another separated by a gap.
Faced with the obstacle at short notice, Mr Pearson instinctively applied his brakes.
The reaction proved catastrophic.
His bike rolled over the first mound of the jump, throwing him over the handlebars before he struck the second mound head-first.
Severe Injuries Result in Permanent Paralysis
The impact caused extensive injuries. Mr Pearson fractured a vertebra and four ribs, suffered lung contusions and additional fractures, and sustained psychological trauma.
The spinal injury left him completely paralysed from the chest down.
Emergency treatment was provided at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery before being transferred to the Princess Royal Spinal Centre in Sheffield for months of specialist rehabilitation.
The consequences of the accident, he says, have been profound.
Legal filings state that the injuries turned his “world upside down” and forced a complete change in the way he lives his life.
Claims Focus on Trail Safety and Signage
Mr Pearson’s case centres on allegations that the bike park did not take sufficient steps to ensure riders could safely navigate the trail system.
His legal team argues that visitors were not adequately protected from unintentionally moving between trails of different difficulty levels.
The claim further alleges that there was no clear trail map identifying the location and grading of routes, insufficient warning of jumps, and inadequate information about alternative paths that would allow riders to avoid such obstacles.
The lawsuit also contends that the park failed to conduct a suitable risk assessment, noting that the most recent assessment had reportedly been carried out more than a decade earlier.
In addition, the claim argues that improvements could have been made to visibility around the jump, including reducing the severity of the bend, improving sightlines, or installing warning signs before riders reached the obstacle.
Expert Review Raises Visibility Concerns
Mr Pearson maintains that a proper safety review would have identified the limited visibility available to riders unfamiliar with the course.
According to his claim, a rider approaching the jump for the first time would only recognise its true nature when approximately 14 feet away from the first mound, leaving little time to react safely.
A liability expert instructed in the case, mountain biking and adventure activities specialist Mr Barton, visited the bike park in August 2023.
During that inspection, he was reportedly provided with a trail map and observed a large sign displaying route information.
Court documents indicate the map identified which blue and red trails could be rolled over, while black and professional-level trails were categorised differently.
Military Career and Sporting Passion Interrupted
Before the accident, Mr Pearson had built a successful career in engineering and vehicle maintenance.
After studying engineering through the Open University, he served in the British Army as a vehicle mechanic between 2008 and 2016.
During that period, he led an inspection department responsible for ensuring more than 100 military vehicles met operational standards.
He later transitioned to the Army Reserve while taking up a role with sports car manufacturer Lotus in Norfolk.
Outside work, he was an enthusiastic athlete and mountain biker.
Since the accident, he has continued to pursue sporting ambitions and has been involved with the Armed Forces Para-Ski Team.
He also travelled with the British delegation to the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf and has regained independence through adapted driving.
Future Compensation Claim Remains Possible
Beyond the initial damages claim exceeding £200,000, Mr Pearson is also seeking provisional damages.
This would allow him to return to court in the future should his condition deteriorate or if additional spinal complications emerge.
The legal action was filed on his behalf by solicitor Jonathan Flattery of Express Solicitors, with the case expected to examine whether the bike park’s safety procedures and trail management met the standards required for riders using the facility.
