£1,719 awarded for a welding injury

A claimant was awarded £1,719 at Oxford County Court after sustaining an eye injury at work while employed as an arc welder. During an adjustment to his welding plant, his visor was lifted, and he was hit by an arc flash from a colleague's welding gun.

He experienced intense heat and a persistent afterimage, describing it as feeling like hot sand had been thrown in his eyes. His eyes became sore, light-sensitive, and bloodshot. He wore sunglasses briefly and used eye drops but did not take time off work, though he switched to lighter duties.

His worst symptoms subsided after a week, but he continued to experience discomfort for up to eight weeks, with full recovery taking two months.

Allegation

The claimant alleged his Employers were negligent in that they failed to provide him with a safe system of work, and provided him with negligent fellow employees.

The claimant also alleged breach of Health and Safety At Work Regulations.

Conclusion and Settlement

Initially the defendant denied liability. Court Proceedings were issued. The claimant was 40 at the date of the accident and 44 at the date of trial.

The claimant was awarded £1,719 general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

See also:

Oxford personal injury solicitors

Welding injury compensation claims

Disclaimer

Case studies are for informational purposes only and aim to help prospective claimants understand the injury claim process. They are based on cases handled by Quittance panel solicitors or sourced from public court records.

Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.