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21st June 2007

Site supervisor hit by unsafe cover moulding secures damages

Accident at Work

A site supervisor for the London Borough of Newham has secured damages with the help of union GMB and Thompsons Solicitors after being hit by window moulding which had not been properly and safely fitted by 1st Saxon, a property servicing company.

Keith Montgomery, a GMB member, was inspecting some windows at the JFK School, Tollgate Road, London, when a section of cover moulding fell on him from six metres, striking his arm and hand. He suffered injuries to his hand and medical evidence sought by Thompsons Solicitors revealed that Mr Montgomery had an existing condition of arthritis accelerated by five years.

Although liability was admitted by 1st Saxon, the company did not agree to pay full compensation until Thompsons intervened to negotiate a more satisfactory settlement.

Health and Safety

Commenting, Mr Montgomery’s representative Angela Smart of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “A case such as this demonstrates that property sub-contractors have a duty of care to all workers who will come into contact with their work. Action of this nature pressurises employers into providing safe working environments. It makes them think twice about taking shortcuts which appear to save money in the short term, but which put their employees and others at risk. Thankfully this case wasn’t as serious for Mr Montgomery as it might have been.”

Mr Montgomery said: “I wasn’t going to claim at first but no-one seemed bothered that I’d been injured. I’m glad that I took the action, not just because of the compensation but because companies should not be allowed to get away with shoddy workmanship, especially if it is endangering the health and safety of other people.”

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.