£2,000 for claimant after accident due to faulty wiring | Case Study

The claimant was awarded damages of £2,000 when she suffered an electric shock due to faulty wiring at work.

Accident circumstances

The female claimant was aged 47 at the date of the accident. She suffered the accident at work at the defendant's premises and was electrocuted as she reached up to hang up some keys.

See also:

Accident at work compensation claim

Details of injury

The electric current passed through the claimant's left hand which was placed on a pipe, through her chest and out through her right bicep which was touching a light switch. She was paralysed for about ten seconds and was very shocked.

The claimant did not attend hospital but was still suffering with pain after the accident so attended her local walk in centre where an ECG was carried out.

Her right bicep was burnt and bruised and this lasted for two weeks. Her left palm was also burnt and blistered and this lasted for a week. The claimant did not take any time off work.

Medical evidence provided advised that the claimant had suffered initial palpitations and then physical shock. This had lasted for around two days. She suffered with distress and anxiety for a week along with intrusive thoughts that lasted for three months.

Her sporting and recreational activities were affected for a short period and she suffered loss of enjoyment of a holiday.

The claimant was not expected to have any long term problems and it was believed that she would recover fully within twelve months.

After the accident electricians attended the site of the accident and identified that the wiring was faulty.

The claimant brought a claim against the defendant alleging that they had breached the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. She also alleged that they had been negligent in causing or permitting the premises to be incorrectly wired, were operating an unsafe place to work and by failing to provide a safe means of access they had exposed the claimant to a risk or injury.

Conclusion and Settlement

The defendant admitted liability and an out of Court settlement was agreed at £2,000 for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.