£315k awarded after lifting accident

Solicitors secured compensation of £315,000 for a 43 year-old man for back injuries including chronic pain syndrome caused by an accident at work 6 years ago when he was lifting a heavy manhole cover.

See also:

Accident at work injury claims

Back injury compensation claims

Back pain injury compensation claims

Injury details

The claimant suffered a back injury when he lifted a heavy manhole cover at work.

He felt pain immediately and was treated for his injuries but the pain continued and he developed chronic pain syndrome. His pack pain was assessed as a significant disability and was categorized as chronic. The pain prevented him from working.

He needed help with all types of personal care including help to wash and dress himself. He could only drive and walk for short distances. He suffered pain if he was sitting or standing for more than a short period of time.

The claimant tried numerous pain management treatments available under the NHS. He had facet joint injections of steroids and a pain management programme without finding that he had any benefit from this treatment.

He was unable to do housework, DIY or look after his garden.

Allegation

The claimant alleged that the defendant was negligent insofar as they had required him to perform manual handling without proper risk assessment, equipment or assistance.

The claimant's medical expert diagnosed chronic pain syndrome and maintained that this was caused as a direct result of the accident.

The defendant alleged the accident had not caused the symptoms. They alleged the accident had only exacerbated problems that would have occurred in future in any event.

It was maintained that the claimant was unable to work as a result of the chronic pain syndrome.

Settlement

Liability was admitted and the matter was settled without progressing to a Court hearing.

Compensation of £315,000 was accepted on the basis of the accident causing the chronic pain syndrome completely.

£27,500 was attributed to "pain, suffering and loss of amenity."

Past losses including earnings were awarded at £90,000.

Future losses including loss of earnings, treatment and medication were awarded at £197,500.

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.