11th July 2007
In a recent case, our personal injury solicitors were able to recover compensation on behalf of an employee injured in an accident at work.
During the course of his work, the claimant was required to use a 15 inch hammer to knock a bolt out from a wagon.
This was an unusual task and not something that he had ever done before, however he was not instructed on how to carry out the job by his manager.
Whilst attempting to knock out the bolt the employee suffered a workplace injury.
The claimant instructed The Legal Line’s lawyers to act on his behalf in a personal injury claim, in respect of his accident at work.
His employer called the manager in charge of risk assessments to give evidence in their defence and he confirmed that no guidance had been given. He gave the reason that the claimant was an experienced worker, however admitted that he had done the job himself a number of years ago and each time assessed the task and used a drift metal ‘dolly’ to push the bolt out.
It was put to the manager that, having previously done the job himself and knowing how it should be done correctly, he should have instructed the claimant to use drift metal himself. Other methods that could have been employed to make the job safer included the use of a jack or a smaller, 8 inch hammer.
The claimant’s case was successful and he was awarded damages in respect of his injuries.
If you or a member of your family has been injured in an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. Contact The Legal Line for cost free, expert accident claim advice on 0800 0328511, or by completing an online claim enquiry form.