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Law Bulletin - February 2008

Big award in paraplegic case

We dealt with a UNISON member who suffered paraplegia following a stack of road signs falling on him while working as a road worker. He was unlikely to work again and would require some care and assistance on a daily basis with this need increasing with advancing years. He was 25 years old at the time of the accident.

He had managed to pass a test to operate small road diggers, and he maintained an interest in his hobby of fishing.

The insurers co-operated, funded appropriate assistance for him, and enabled him to purchase a suitable property for adaptation.

Settlement negotiations took place involving factors such as the new Ogden Tables and whether to use RPI or ASHE (See Thompstone above). Settlement was eventually reached at £2,460,738.18 just over two years after the accident.

Amendment to pneumoconiosis compensation

Please note that from 1 April 2008 the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 amends the previous regulations so as to increase the amount payable by 3.9 per cent.