£17,693 compensation for person hit by falling boxes

A 56-year-old woman was awarded £17,693.53 by Stoke on Trent County Court after being injured at work when struck by falling boxes and discarded strapping from a forklift truck. The accident occurred when the claimant, aged 51 at the time, was working as a process worker for an automotive company. Large, heavy boxes fell from a passing forklift truck, hitting her on the right shoulder and head, causing a head wound and shoulder pain.

She was taken to the hospital, where her head was stitched, and her neck and shoulder were supported with strapping. The claimant required three weeks of bed rest and experienced worsening pain, which led to her being unable to return to work. She also developed headaches and lower back pain, which persisted for several years. By the time of the hearing, five years later, she was still suffering from pain and required a walking stick for mobility.

The court found the defendant negligent for failing to provide a safe working environment and for not securing the forklift load properly. Medical experts concluded that the pain and headaches caused by the accident would have subsided within 2-3 years, with any remaining symptoms likely unrelated to the incident. The judge awarded damages for the pain, suffering, and loss of earnings, noting that the claimant's age and qualifications made it unlikely she would find new employment after her recovery.

See also:

Stoke on Trent personal injury 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.