Leg Crushed by Lorry
A Unite the union member has received £350,000 in compensation after his leg was crushed by a delivery lorry which ran over him twice.
The 46-year-old from Wolverhampton was left disabled by the horrific accident.
He was working as a drayman for Marstons Plc when the accident happened on Christmas Eve 2007.
He was helping a colleague to deliver beer to The Mug House public house in Worcester. The lorry was too big to turn in the car park and the client agreed to go and ask the pub manager to move his car.
As he walked around to the front of the lorry his colleague, who was driving, didn’t see him and knocked him over. He ran over his left leg and then reversed back over it before he realised what he had done.
Accident almost resulted in amputation
He was left with a fractured fibula, a lacerated Achilles tendon and the skin was stripped off his left ankle. Experts had thought they would have to amputate, but after seven operations they were able to save his foot.
Following his accident he contacted his union Unite which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.
Marstons Plc denied liability for the accident, but settled out of court.
The martial arts instructor with black belts in karate and kick boxing is now unable to work. He can only walk short distances with the help of a stick and cannot go upstairs.
He said: “The accident was absolutely terrifying. I just didn’t know when the lorry was going to stop. It has changed my life dramatically. At the moment I can’t work and can no longer take part in my hobbies including martial arts. I am grateful that they were able to save my leg. I have learnt to cope as best I can and just get on with things.
He added: “Thompsons and Unite did an excellent job in winning me this compensation. It has helped a great deal by relieving the financial strain. I am determined to return to work in the future, but realise that my employment opportunities are now restricted.”
Still recovering from accident almost two years later
Peter Clewes, servicing officer at Unite added: “Our member suffered a terrifying and painful accident from which he is still recovering almost two years later. We are only too happy to have been able to support his claim for compensation and hope this money will go some way towards making his life easier while he learns to cope with his injuries.”
Karl de Loyde from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Our client’s life has been turned upside down by this accident which has left him disabled. The level of compensation reflects the seriousness of the accident and his injuries and also the fact that his future employment opportunities are limited.
“We were able to secure a settlement in this matter within 10 months of receiving instructions. I am pleased that he now has the opportunity to rebuild his future following this tragic accident.”
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