A construction worker has obtained damages after suffering life-changing injuries in an accident at work.
He was moving a pallet truck loaded with metal studs down a slippery ramp when he slipped. The truck collided with him, trapping him against some steps and crushing him. He suffered fractures to his leg and foot, injuries to his back and neck and a broken collarbone.
He underwent multiple operations but his shin bone did not heal properly, leaving him in constant pain and with restricted mobility. Having been very fit before the accident, he can now only walk about 500 metres using crutches. He has had to leave his job and is unlikely to be able to find employment elsewhere.
A claim was commenced against his former employer and interim payments were secured to pay for further surgery. A £1 million settlement was subsequently reached on the basis that his employer bore 75 per cent liability for the accident.
The amount of his damages reflects the severity of his injuries and his care and treatment needs, and also accounts for uncertainty over whether his further surgery will be successful and whether his leg will ultimately have to be amputated.
