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News Desk | News Story
30th April 2009
William Edge, 64, from Plymouth received the accident compensation in an out of court settlement after doctors were unable to save his broken ankle.
His employer Ardmore Construction admitted liability after Unite instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue compensation for his injury.
Mr Edge worked as a labourer for the Plymouth-based building firm. His job involved locking up a construction site on Elliott Street, Plymouth, at the end of the working day. This included the basement area which was accessed by a ladder fixed to a crane base which was exposed to the elements and in a pool of deep water.
Mr Edge was often alone on the site when locking up and had on several occasions asked that he was accompanied or at least provided with a two-way radio but his requests were ignored. In September 2005 he lost his grip on the wet and slippery ladder and fell on to the concrete below.
He broke his right ankle and was forced to shout for help for around 20 minutes before he was heard by a passerby.
He had eight operations on his ankle to fix the break but in January 2007 the decision was made to amputate his leg below the knee.
Mr Edge said: “It is difficult to comprehend how much my life has changed since this accident. The most obvious effect has been on my mobility. I was fit, healthy and fully mobile before my accident. I used to enjoy going for runs and walks in the countryside and going swimming. I can’t do any of this now and I miss it.
“I have been deprived of my career and my role as the bread-winner in the family. I have worked all my life and it has been hard adjusting to this as I had always intended to work until I was 65.”
Laurence Faircloth from Unite added: “Mr Edge’s accident has had horrendous consequences. He should never have been put in a position where he was forced to use such a treacherous ladder. Strict health and safety regulations should be followed to make sure accidents like this are avoided.”
James Davies from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mr Edge’s life has been turned upside down by this accident. He has endured eight agonising operations and now has to adapt to life without his lower right leg. Employers must be aware that cutting corners on health and safety can lead to life changing consequences for their employees.”
This news story was also published by thisisplymouth.co.uk.
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury at work after falling from a height, 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 personal injury compensation claim forms.