£19,000 awarded after a health and safety breach

The claimant was awarded £19,000 in compensation by Middlesbrough County Court. The claimant sustained fractures to both wrists due to health and safety breaches at his place of work.

Injury Details

The 29-year-old claimant, a heavy construction equipment operator, sustained serious wrist injuries at work when the vehicle he was operating tipped over while unloading coal. He was thrown from the vehicle and suffered intra-articular fractures in both wrists, with the left wrist being slightly displaced. Both wrists were in plaster for six weeks, and for 18 months, the claimant experienced restricted movement, swelling, and tenderness, particularly in the left wrist.

Three years after the accident, the claimant had made an 80% recovery, but still had limited movement in the left wrist and residual symptoms in cold weather. The Court found that he had a 50% risk of developing arthritis in his right wrist and a 75% risk in his left, which would lead to further disability and discomfort.

The claimant lost his job as a result of the accident but found alternative work as an HGV driver, although his prospects were limited due to his inability to perform heavier tasks.

See also:

Accident at work compensation claims

Health and safety breach injury claims

Middlesbrough personal injury solicitors

Allegation

The claimant alleged that his employers breached Health & Safety Regulations causing the vehicle to tilt and fall over.

Conclusion and Settlement

The claimant who was 29 at the date of the accident and 32 at trial was awarded £19,000 for pain and suffering and loss of amenity. The trial judge found that the total injury duration was some 3 years.

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.