Surgeon sues McLaren for £10m after injury in snowmobile crash

A LEADING neurosurgeon is suing McLaren for £10million after being left with a “significant” hand tremor as a result of a snowmobile crash on a £23,000 adventure holiday.

Dr Andrew Cannestra, a spine surgery specialist, suffered a head injury after losing control of a snowmobile during a holiday in Lapland.

The Florida-based surgeon, 53, and his partner went on a £23,000 fournight Pure McLaren Arctic Experience, with the doctor taking part in a guided snowmobile trek as part of the package.

Dr Cannestra, who was driving a Lynx Xtrim snowmobile, crashed into a tree while travelling at around 40mph.

He is suing McLaren Automotive Events for £10million and claims he will be forced to retire from his £1.6 million a year job in the next few years because of medical complications resulting from the crash.

Before the accident, Dr Cannestra had a “benign” essential tremor in the hands which was very mild in form, was “well controlled by occasional doses of

‘He needs significant medication. The prognosis is that within five years he will have to cease working’

medication”, and allowed him to perform a “full range of neurosurgery”.

Neil Block, his barrister, said the head trauma meant he needed “significant” medication to quell the tremor, adding: “The prognosis is that within five years Dr Cannestra will have to cease working.” Matthew Chapman, representing McLaren Automotive, has denied the company’s liability, insisting the local guide did his utmost to ensure the snow trek was safe.

McLaren also suggested Dr Cannestra failed to take due care.

The High Court in London heard that the surgeon and his partner had taken an initial 15-minute trial ride through trees wduring which he says they hit speeds of around 30mph.

The guide allegedly then took Dr Cannestra on a solo ride after telling him they should “go off together and have some fun”, the court heard.

Dr Cannestra’s barrister said the accident was caused by an insufficient safety briefing and a failure to ensure the track was clearly marked out. They say the guide was riding too far ahead. The trial is to be heard in April next year.