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Lorry driver whose career was ended by workplace accident receives compensation
Accident at work caused broken wrist
A lorry driver whose career was ended after he badly broke his wrist in a workplace accident has received compensation from his employers.
Peter Stocks, 63, from Newton Alfreton in Derbyshire is now unable to drive HGVs after an accident meant he had to have two operations on his right wrist.
He has been told he will never be able to lift with the arm and that he will need a third operation in the future.
Whilst making a delivery for manufacturer Recricel, based in Alfreton he was injured as he attempted to move 150 kilos of foam from his lorry.
Fell backwards and injured wrist
When he pulled on string holding the foam together it snapped and he fell backwards landing heavily on his wrist.
He was forced to take three months off work and though he has returned he can only drive smaller vehicles.
Following the accident he contacted his trade union, Unite, which instructed it's lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons argued that the foam should have been secured in a safer fashion. Recticel admitted liability and settled the claim out of court for £23,000.
Accident could have been avoided
Mr Stocks said: "All my life I've driven large vehicles like HGVs or JCBs. It was quite a shock to never be able to do that again it makes me worried about my employability in the future.
"My injury has affected every part of my life. I can't do simple things like gardening or lift pans for cooking. Fortunately my family have been a great support. Additionally my employer has provided me with a Sprinter van so I can continue with my work, something I’m very grateful for."
Adrian Axtell regional secretary at Unite said: "A man with a career in professional driving has been left unable to work to his full capacity because of an injury which could have been avoided. Safer bindings would have avoided the accident all together and Recticel need to look at their procedures as part of their health and safety responsibilities."
Shelley Artingstall from Thompsons Solicitors added: " Mr Stocks can no longer use his specialist skills to drive large vehicles and the compensation recognises that his earning capacity has been restricted. The compensation also takes into account the large amount of time off he needed and the tremendous pain and suffering from the two operations on his wrist."
Accident at Work Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury in an accident at work which was caused by someone else's negligence, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal 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 accident at work solicitors and 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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