Call Us
08000 224 224
You are in: Home Page |
News Desk | News Story
11th December 2009
GMB member Albert Hardy, 58, from Chesterfield has been forced to change trades after his index finger on his left hand was amputated following the accident while working for a building firm in Belper.
He was using a handsaw to remove shuttering, a type of boarding used to hold concrete when putting down foundations, which was sticking up from the ground.
One of his directors told him to use a circular saw for the job which meant Mr Hardy had to work in an awkward position. The powerful saw caught on the material and cut into his left hand.
His index finger had to be amputated above the knuckle.
Mr Hardy worked for the firm for two years. Unfortunately he was made redundant after business slowed down and now works as a delivery driver for Higher IQ Logistics.
He said he has learned to get used to the loss of his finger but still has problems doing little things like tying his laces and playing pool.
He added: “I was in a lot of pain when the accident happened. I have always worked with my hands and at first it was frustrating getting used to the loss of my finger.”
Following the accident Mr Hardy contacted his union, the GMB, who advised him to claim accident compensation. The GMB instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors which settled the claim out of court. The company did not admit liability.
Andy Worth from the GMB said: “Mr Hardy was asked to change tools by his director who had failed to think through the risks of that change. As a result our member has been through incredible pain, has had to learn to cope without a major finger.”
Peter Magee from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Up to the time of the accident Mr Hardy had always worked with his hands and adjusting to life without his finger has been difficult. Simple health and safety procedures would have prevented this accident.”
If you or anyone you know has been involved in a workplace accident and suffered a workplace injury, illness or disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim, including compensation claims for workplace accidents and workplace injuries. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.