Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Injury at Work Claim for Employee Injured by Bunk Ladder
30th January 2007
Our lawyers recently acted for a gentleman who suffered a personal injury in an accident at work, caused by a ladder in the accommodation provided by his employer.
Injury at Work
The claimant and his colleagues resided in accommodation provided for them on offshore oil rigs. At the time of his accident he was climbing into his bunk using the provided, removable ladder.
This ladder had not been replaced correctly, so gave way as the claimant used it and he was injured when he fell to the ground.
Compensation Claim
Our lawyers pleaded that there were breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER) Regulations 1998. Initially, and on appeal, the courts found that the accident could not reasonably have been foreseen by the claimant’s employer.
This decision was overturned by the House of Lords however. They felt that the risk of people carelessly replacing the removable ladders should have been anticipated and addressed.
In order to avoid the risk of injury, the ladders could have been fixed to the side of the bunks to prevent them from being removed or incorrectly replaced. The employer was therefore found in breach of the regulations and the claimant was awarded damages. There was a deduction made in respect of contributory negligence, as the claimant was aware of the problems with the ladders.
Workplace Accident Claims
If you or a member of your family has suffered a personal injury as the result of a workplace accident, our specialist lawyers may be able to assist you in claiming compensation.
Contact us today for cost free advice and assistance on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online claim enquiry form.
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