Cinema seat collapse claimant sues Vue for £12.7m

Marcus Hunefalk-Franzen, 60, is suing Vue Entertainment for £12.7 million, alleging he suffered whiplash and chronic pain after a chair collapsed beneath him at the Vue Cinema in Islington in September 2015. The incident has led to a legal battle that has continued for over a decade, with the claimant's initial valuation of his injuries escalating significantly.

Seat Anchoring Bolts Missing

Read Next in News London2 min read

Finsbury Park takeaway fire sees man jump from window

Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters tackled the blaze on Seven Sisters Road, which damaged a flat and the restaurant roof.

Court documents filed on behalf of Mr Hunefalk-Franzen describe the incident as occurring when he sat on a chair to watch a film. As he moved, the seat collapsed and propelled him forward into the seat in front. Investigations revealed that the bolts intended to secure the seat to the cinema floor were absent.

Vue Entertainment has admitted liability for the accident itself. However, the cinema chain disputes the multi-million-pound sum Mr Hunefalk-Franzen is claiming for damages. While Vue's legal team initially suggested a claim value between £8,000 and £12,500, Mr Hunefalk-Franzen, who is representing himself, maintains the long-term impact on his career justifies his £12.7 million figure.

Claimant's Business Ventures

Related Borough Coverage3 min read

AI glasses face calls for Tube ban after court restrictions

Oakley Meta AI glasses, capable of recording and identifying objects, have been restricted in courts and are facing scrutiny for potential misuse on public transport.

Mr Hunefalk-Franzen, who resides in Camden, north London, claims the chronic pain resulting from the incident has disrupted lucrative business ventures. These included plans for an acting school and an online psychic platform. He alleges the digital concept alone would have generated £1.5 million by now, enabling him to earn £1 million annually and sell the business for £3 million upon retirement.

However, Vue's defence has pointed to Mr Hunefalk-Franzen's existing medical history. This includes pre-existing conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and neck pain dating back to 2008. At a recent pre-trial hearing, Judge Alan Saggarson noted difficulties Mr Hunefalk-Franzen faces with concentration and cognitive ability. The judge refused permission for a revised pain expert report to be submitted after deadlines were missed.

The case is now scheduled for trial at the end of 2027.