Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Burn Injury Compensation for Forklift Truck Driver Injured at Work
17th January 2011
Our specialist personal injury lawyers recently acted on behalf of a forklift truck driver, who suffered burns to his arm in an accident at work.
Faulty Work Equipment
Our client was climbing into his forklift truck, when a radiator cap unexpectedly burst off and hot water flew out from under the cover, badly scalding his forearm. He had not taken off the cap himself or tampered with it at any point, as drivers are not required to examine the radiators as part of their safety checks before they begin work.
Despite the application of cold water the skin began to blister and was very painful, so he attended hospital for treatment. They applied dressings, which had to be changed regularly over the weeks following the accident until the burns were healed.
Accident at Work Claim
The injured worker felt that his employer was to blame for his personal injury, as they provided faulty work equipment. The vehicle involved in the accident was inspected afterwards and a new cap had to be fitted to replace the faulty one.
We began a personal injury claim against the company on his behalf, however they disputed that they were responsible and alleged that our client took off the cap himself. This was untrue as he had no reason to do so and, as a fully trained employee with decades of experience, he knew never to remove a cap when the vehicle was warm. There were other trucks available to him if he had felt his was not ready for use, and if it was necessary to remove the cap for any reason there are long gloves provided which would have covered the area that was scalded.
It was necessary for us to pursue the case to trial and the Judge accepted our evidence and our client’s version of events. He was awarded £2150 in damages.
Personal Injury Claim Advice
If you suffer an injury as the result of a workplace accident caused by defective equipment, you may be entitled to make an injury claim.
Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online, for cost free, confidential accident claim advice.
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