‘Horrific injury’: Former Bulldogs player Pat O’Hanlon’s legal battle

Pat O’Hanlon was in his third season of first grade when an innocuous tackle resulted in one of the most sickening injuries in rugby league’s history.

Pat O'Hanlon’s NRL career ended abruptly after a horrific injury.

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Former Canterbury Bulldog Pat O’Hanlon is commencing legal action over the abrupt ending to his career as the result of a horrific injury.

O’Hanlon is suing insurer QBE in an appeal against the claim decision following his career-ending multiple ankle and leg-compound fractures in 2014. QBE was the NRL’s insurer for career-ending injury at the time.

The 29-year-old has been in discussions with the insurance company for two years but is now preparing to litigate the claim.

“Being conscious that the statute of limitations is fast approaching, myself and my legal representation are confident we are in a position to commence proceedings with QBE,” O’Hanlon said.

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Pat O'Hanlon’s NRL career ended abruptly after a horrific injury.

“It has been a time-consuming process, I’ve explored various legal avenues but have settled on a barrister and lawyer to assist with the case.

“I hope that other players who may be in a similar position can recognise the disadvantages of this policy and potentially explore their own financial and medical entitlements through the insurer, post-career.”

O’Hanlon was in his third season of first grade when injury struck.

His shattered ankle was facing the wrong way after it was crushed under an innocuous tackle involving Melbourne Storm trio Will Chambers, Cooper Cronk and Jesse Bromwich.

It was one of the most sickening injuries in the game’s history.

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O’Hanlon walks with a limp and also needs a hip replacement and ankle fusion stemming from the break.

He has also suffered liver damage which is understood to be linked to the massive doses of painkilling medication he has needed to take as a result of the injury.

Ex-Newcastle winger James McManus is continuing his litigation against his former club because of concussions he suffered during his career.

Originally published as ‘Horrific injury’: Former Bulldogs player Pat O’Hanlon’s legal battle