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13th November 2007

Traffic light worker awarded damages following car collision

A worker hit by a car at a road junction has been awarded compensation with the help of Unite the union and Thompsons Solicitors. Mr Keith Simpson, a traffic light installer who was hit by a vehicle on Loughborough Road at the junction with Brixton Road, Lambeth, London SW9, has been awarded £75,000 in damages after both his legs were severely injured and he was left unable to work for nearly three years.

At the time of the accident in September 2004, Mr Simpson, 53, of Brockley in South East London, was repairing traffic lights whilst working for his employer, SBS. A car being driven by a Mrs Marjorie Smith collided with Mr Simpson, leaving him with severe long-term injuries to his left knee and right foot and ankle. Mr Simpson eventually returned to work in April 2007.

Steve Hart, Unite London and Eastern regional secretary said: “This case highlights the dangers of employees working in areas such as road junctions. This was a nasty accident and thankfully Mr Simpson was able to call upon the assistance of his union to prepare and fight his case.”

Commenting, Angela Smart, Mr Simpson’s representative at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “The injuries were so severe that they left Mr Simpson unable to work for a considerable period. Even after intense rehabilitation, Mr Simpson has physical difficulties and it is unlikely that he will ever recover 100% from the accident. Given the length of time that he was unable to work, it was important to secure adequate compensation.”

Mr Simpson said: “It wasn’t just the physical aspect of the accident that caused me difficulties. The fact that I couldn’t get back to work quickly was quite depressing. I’m not the type of person to sit around waiting for things to heal. I’m grateful to the union and Thompsons Solicitors for helping me quite literally to get back on my feet.”