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9th July 2008

The GMB and Thompsons Solicitors have secured damages of more than £130,000 for a Cumbrian factory worker who was injured whilst operating a machine

Injured at work

The GMB and Thompsons Solicitors have secured damages of more than £130,000.00 for a Cumbrian factory worker who was injured whilst working at Crown Bevcan in Carlisle. A pallet had jammed in the machine Michael Pattison was operating. He followed the usual practice of switching the machine to manual to straighten the pallet. When he put his hand into the machine it suddenly and without warning started up again, lifted the pallet and crushed his hand. He shouted for help but it was very busy and took a couple of minutes before anyone came to help.

Mr Pattison had to undergo surgery where wires were used to reunite the fractures in his fingers and hand. After intensive physiotherapy he regained some but not all use of his hand and had to give up work and his hobby of playing golf. Mr Pattison sought advice from the GMB and was referred to Thompsons Solicitors. Negotiations did not result in agreement with the insurers for Crown Bevcan and proceedings were issued.

Commenting on the accident Mr Pattison said "It was an immensely frightening experience being trapped and I thought I was going to lose my hand. After the accident I wanted to return to work but it was just too physical. I am now 60 years old but wanted to keep on working until I was 65. I was nervous about issuing proceedings but my solicitor put my mind at rest and soon after the insurers agreed to increase their offer to what was recommended by Thompsons. I am over the moon with the settlement".

Employee was not kept safe at work

Willie Carroll, Mr Pattison's GMB Branch Secretary, said: "The company failed to make sure Michael Pattison was kept safe at work. His injuries could have been a lot worse. He was a loyal and dedicated member of staff who could not get back to work because of his injuries. I am pleased that the GMB was able to help him with Thompsons who have supported him through the claim process"

Mr Pattison's solicitor at Thompsons, Fiona Belgian, said: "Mr Pattison's injuries could have been a lot worse but he has still lost a great deal of function of his hand and been through a very frightening experience in being trapped by this machine. The accident was avoidable but it seems that the company were keen to have as little down time as possible and so did not stop the machine altogether. The insurers initially refused to agree the right level of compensation however as soon as proceedings were issued an agreement was reached".

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has been injured by a dangerous machine in the workplace, 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.