Diet Coke's 'Handsome' Claims Suffered Brain Injury When He Hit a Coworker During a Beach Ad

Mr Cooper claims he suffered post-concussion syndrome and mild traumatic brain injury, with resulting psychological symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks and depression. He also claims his ear was damaged and he now suffers from a balance disorder that causes migraines and headaches.

Much of Cooper's claim relates to lost past and future income, having previously earned up to £280,000 a year, the court heard. His lawyers say he has had to turn down lucrative contracts when the work involved flashing lights, rehearsing lines or action sequences.

“The plaintiff was a highly sought-after male model who worked for Orlebar Brown and also had other business interests and some interesting side hustles, such as being a social media influencer,” said his lawyer John-Paul Swoboda.

Mr Swoboda added: “Another part of the claim is that he began an acting career. He was an entrepreneur and had many talents.

“The amount of the claim is complex but it is a high value, with the provisional statement showing £4.1 million.”

Mr Swoboda said the Berkshire-based model was suing Orlebar Brown for breach of contract.

“We say that the contract imposes strict duties on the defendant to the plaintiff – for example, to take all necessary steps to ensure that the model is protected,” he told Judge Master Simon Brown at a preliminary hearing.

That means “the highest standards of health and safety” and doing more than just what is “reasonable” to ensure the safety of the models, he said.

Orlebar Brown's lawyer, Arun Katyar, said the company would contest the breach of contract allegations and was “somewhat concerned” about the amount of Mr Cooper's claim.

However, the company also blames the Tom Hingston Studio, claiming that negligence prevailed during filming.

However, on behalf of the studio, Mr Williams denied any negligence and pointed out that the time before and after the accident was captured on camera.