A driver who faces the risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot has received £20,000 in provisional damages after a workplace accident.

The GMB member from Kent has to take medication for the rest of his life to avoid a potentially fatal clot from occurring after he developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) when he broke his ankle at work.

He has already suffered three blood clots and has been told a further episode could mean he will be unable to work - or may even cause his death.

Stepped onto uneven manhole cover

The 53-year-old broke his ankle when he stepped down from a van onto an uneven manhole cover while working at West London Waste Authority’s depot in August 2004.

He worked as a driver for the waste authority for more than 11 years.

Following the accident his leg was put in plaster and four weeks later he was diagnosed with DVT and had to undergo daily injections to prevent the risk of clots. He was off work for three months.

Blood clots resulted from accident

Two years after the accident he suffered from three blood clots just months apart and was put on blood-thinning tablets which he must take every day. His condition meant he had to go on long term sick leave and eventually had to resign because he could no longer drive.

He now works as a painter for another company in Kent.

After he was told by his consultant that the blood clots resulted from his accident, he contacted his union which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.

Thompsons Solicitors recovered compensation

Thompsons was able to secure provisional damages which will allow the member to claim further compensation if his condition worsens.

The member said: “I am concerned about the serious risks DVT poses to my health and quality of life. I am always worrying about a repeat incident.

“I’ve had to adapt my life because I cannot sit still for long periods of time and I am unable to go on long haul flights. It has meant that I have not been able to visit my brother who lives in America. I’ve also had to accept that I will never be able to be a driver again.”

Richard Ascough from the GMB said: “This member must live with a serious health condition for the rest of his life all because his employer failed to maintain and inspect its forecourt. This case highlights how the most straightforward accident can have long term consequences.”

Anita Rattan from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Our client must live with the threat of another potentially fatal blood clot for the rest of his life. By securing provisional damages we have ensured that he will be able to claim further compensation if his condition worsens.”