Fell in pot hole at work
A logistics worker at BAE systems who needed surgery on his knee after he fell in a pot hole in the firm’s car park has received compensation after help from his trade union.
The 50-year-old from Lancashire was left with an injury to his right knee which required surgery after the accident in March 2010.
The man, who has worked for BAE in Blackburn for 27 years, had to take four months off work in total.
On the day of the accident the Unite member parked his car in BAE’s car park and was walking towards the building’s entrance when he suddenly fell.
It was found that the pot hole was created after some cables had been laid in the car park. The area was cemented but a vehicle had driven over it before it was dry causing the hole.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
Following the accident he contacted Unite for advice and the trade union instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.
Thompsons argued that BAE were responsible for making sure all aspects of its business were safe for employees including the car park.
BAE admitted liability and settled the claim out of court for £6,250.
The Unite member said: “I knew straight away that I had done something serious to my knee. In the end I had to take 82 days off work and needed an operation. The car park was full of holes and though I was looking out on the day of my accident I came a cropper, it was only a matter of time before someone had an accident.”
Employers who provide car parks need to make sure they are safe
Paul Finegan Regional Secretary at Unite added: “BAE is a large organisation and having a car park with potholes isn’t something they can ignore. This was a silly mistake by the company which has led to a painful injury for one of our members.”
Jill Griffiths from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Employers who provide car parks need to make sure they are safe. It is common sense to make sure that concrete has dried properly before allowing vehicles in the vicinity. Once it was apparent that a pot hole had developed steps should have been taken to make it safe.”
Injured at work? Contact us for expert advice on workplace accident compensation claims.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury in an accident at work, our specialist workplace accident solicitors are on hand to help you make a claim.
Our experts will explain the process in plain English, and discuss whether you are eligible to make a claim for compensation.
We have significant unrivalled experience of winning workplace accident and injury claims and will provide a no obligation assessment of your circumstances.
Time limits of three years from the date of accident or injury apply, so contact us for advice today.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.