£22K settlement secured for client who suffered acid burns at work

The Incident

Our 44-year-old client was performing his daily duties as a Hygiene Cleaner when a serious workplace accident occurred. While cleaning grease from metal ducting in the kitchen, he unknowingly leaned against a wet cloth that had been left on the side by a colleague. Unbeknownst to him, the cloth was contaminated with acid from a previous task. As a result, the acid burned through his work clothes, causing a severe injury to his leg.

Injuries Sustained

The client suffered a chemical burn, which left him with a large permanent scar measuring 9cm by 5cm. The lower portion of the scar remains hypersensitive, causing ongoing discomfort. In addition to the physical scarring, he endured pain for four to five months following the incident as the wound healed.

Impact on His Life

The injury had a lasting impact on both his personal and professional life. Due to the pain and scarring, he faced significant challenges:

• Personal Limitations: For six months, he struggled with everyday activities such as bathing and washing. He also experienced psychological distress, avoiding wearing shorts in warm weather due to the visible scarring on his right knee.
• Mobility Issues: The burn affected his ability to kneel, limiting his movement and physical comfort.
• Employment Difficulties: After leaving his original role, he secured a job at a supermarket, but the need to kneel while stacking shelves caused significant pain. Ultimately, he had to leave this position and find alternative employment.

The Legal Case

Following the accident, the client sought legal assistance from Fletchers Solicitors, where Solicitor Jordan Bear handled his claim. The defendant admitted liability early in the process, simplifying one aspect of the case. However, a key challenge arose in managing the client’s expectations regarding settlement.

Initially, after obtaining the first medical report, the client was eager to settle the claim quickly. However, Jordan advised that further medical assessment was necessary to fully understand the long-term impact of the injury. After some discussion, the client agreed to obtain a second opinion from a lower limb expert. This additional medical evidence played a crucial role in accurately valuing his claim and avoiding an early, lower settlement.

The Outcome

The defendants initially offered £15,000, but thanks to Jordan’s careful management of the case and insistence on further medical evaluation, the final settlement was successfully negotiated to £22,000, a £7,000 increase from the original offer.

Reflecting on the case, Jordan said:

“I felt very pleased to help a pleasant claimant who had clearly been significantly impacted by his accident, both at work and in his personal life. Managing his expectations was a challenge, as he initially wanted a fast payout. However, by securing further medical evidence, we were able to obtain a much fairer and more substantial settlement, which he was ultimately very happy with.”

Legal support for burn injury claims

If you have suffered a burn injury that wasn’t your fault, Fletchers Solicitors is here to help. Our expert solicitors have extensive experience in handling burn injury claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and any financial losses. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact that burn injuries can have on your life, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process with care and expertise. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you secure the justice and support you need.