Construction worker receives £150k in compensation following accident at work

The Incident

This claim came about because of an accident at work which occurred in 2020.

Our client was working at a property, alongside two others, working for his employer (the defendant in this claim). Their task was to complete the demolition/dismantling of the existing freestanding garage on the premises.

A decision was made to push the wall over as part of the demolition. The wall did not fall as planned. This resulted in the top section falling outwards but the bottom section falling inward into the garage space. This was where the client was standing, causing him to suffer injury as parts of the wall landed on their ankle.

Injuries Sustained

As a result of the accident, our client suffered the following injuries:

• Severe injury to his right foot, with fractures to bones in the right ankle
• Comminuted fracture (broken in two parts) to the top of the foot, with severe displacement
• Further fracture of the anterior process (another bone in the top of the foot)

The Impact

At the time of the accident, our client was working in construction. His plan at the time was to move to America to undertake a greenkeeper’s course. Due to the injuries sustained, which occurred in January 2020, this plan was significantly impacted.

The Case

Following the incident, our client approached us for representation. Associate Solicitor, Neil Downey took on the case.

Liability for the accident was admitted by the defendant. Following the admission of liability, a settlement of £150,244.59 was secured.

The Outcome

Following the case, our client undertook a rehab course, which was funded by the defendant’s insurer. As well as this, they have completed an NVQ course to become an electrician. Our client has now been able to secure work in this field, and plans to move to New Zealand towards the end of the year.

Reflecting upon the case Neil said:

“The client suffered a considerable injury to his ankle as a result of a reckless practice of his employer, which put our client and his colleagues at risk. Unfortunately, this has resulted in our client suffering the impact of this reckless action for the remainder of his life, with ongoing physical restrictions of his ankle, and the need for further surgery in the years to come.”

In addition, our client stated:

“Thanks a lot to you and anyone else who has played a part in my case. I am very happy with the outcome, and I know you have all worked extremely hard over the last 3 years. It is a massive relief and a big weight off my shoulders that we have finally been able to come to a conclusion. I can only thank you again and wish you all the best. You’ve been very helpful and understanding the whole way through.”