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News Desk | News Story
15th February 2011
Lorry owner pays out for accident caused by faulty equipment
Accident at work
A Gateshead man who suffers from debilitating long term damage to his hearing caused by defective work equipment has received £8,500 in compensation after help from his trade union.GMB member Charles Haswell from Leam Lane developed tinnitus, a condition which means he hears constant ringing in his left ear, after he was hit in the side of the face by a faulty lorry door handle.
The driver for Asda’s Depot in Washington was attempting to unload a 40ft lorry trailer, owned by McBurney Transport, when the accident happened in September 2009.
The lorry’s door handle was stiff and as Mr Haswell applied pressure to open it, it released without warning hitting him on the left side of his face. It was later found that the handle was faulty.
Mr Haswell, 54, suffered from severe internal bruising and soft tissue injuries to his face. The trauma caused the onset of his tinnitus.
He was forced to take two weeks off work as a result of the accident. His facial injuries have now healed but he has been told that he must now live with his hearing problem for life. Additionally he has been told the condition is likely to worsen over the years.
Thompsons Solicitors pursued a claim for compensation
Following the accident the GMB instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons argued that McBurney Transport should have ensured the lorry was regularly inspected and maintained so any problems were picked up and resolved rather than left to catch people out.
Mr Haswell said: “I never had a problem with my hearing before this accident. Now I hear a constant ringing sound. It’s worse at night and at times can make sleeping difficult. I have been told it will get worse as I get older.”
GMB regional organiser Michael Hopper added: “Tinnitus is not just irritating it can also be extremely distressing and worrying. Our member was just getting on with his job. The lorry’s owner left him with faulty equipment. We will be doing what we can by applying pressure on employers to ensure that all lorries used by their staff are in fit working condition before leaving the yard in the future.”
Lyndsay Milligan from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle added: “We see far too many faulty work equipment cases. For the owner of the equipment it is often something they mean to get around to fixing, but for the victim it can be the difference between a healthy future or a future with a disability.”
Personal Injury Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has been injured by defective equipment in a workplace accident, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim including claims relating to accidents at work. 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.
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