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23rd July 2007

Jarvis PLC to pay £8,000 damages to railway shopman from York following
accident at work

Injured at Work

Jarvis PLC is to pay £8,000 damages to a railway shopman from York following an accident at the York depot. Leading trade union RMT secured the compensation for member Eric Barker via their free legal help scheme with personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.

The accident took place in October 2004, when Eric Barker, who was employed as a shopman, tripped over a brake handle on a piece of equipment known as an "A" frame. The A frame was jutting out into the walkway as the compound where it should have been put was full. As a result, Mr Barker struck his knee on the ground as he fell, causing injury.

Mr Barker explains: “I caught my right trouser leg on the brake lever sticking out from the iron man and fell forward onto my knees. It was very painful and I was off work for over a month. Sadly I was never fit to return to work after my accident and was retired on ill health grounds in August 2005 due to the problems with my knee.”

Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of this case for our member Eric Barker. All employers have a duty of care to their employees. This case illustrates how crucial it is for equipment to be safely stored away. It’s a warning to other employers.”

Representing Mr Barker, Phil Kyte from Thompsons Solicitors in Leeds, said: “Jarvis PLC clearly breached Workplace Regulations which led to Eric Barker’s accident. His compensation is therefore wholly justified and will help to secure his future given the earnings he has lost.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered a personal injury at work, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim.  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 compensation claim forms.