Personal Injury Success Stories

This is where you’ll find reports on just a few of the personal injury clients that we have helped. Follow the links to discover how we recovered personal injury compensation for them.  Follow the link to view some letters of thanks that we have received from grateful personal injury clients:

Over £11,300 for couple injured in car accident

John and Sue Chesworth were injured in a car accident and suffered whiplash injuries. They contacted The Legal Line’s specialist personal injury solicitors who were able to obtain compensation of over £11,300.

An extract from their thank you letter reads: "I would be obliged if you make everyone aware of our sincere thanks for everything that all those at Thompsons have done for us both."

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£1,500 whiplash compensation from Motor Insurers Bureau

David Moore was injured in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury.  He was unable to provide details of the other vehicle.  Our specialist personal injury solicitors made a claim to the Motor Insurers Bureau and following receipt of medical evidence the case settled for £1,500.

An extract from his thank you letter read: Thank you for the help and advice in dealing with my claim in a quick and professional manner.  Best Wishes."

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£2,113.20 compensation for back injury caused by delivery company

Peter Roberts was receiving a delivery at his home of an IKEA sofabed, brought to him by F&H Transport.  Only one delivery person had been sent instead of the required two people, so Mr Roberts had to assist in carrying the sofabed.

This caused an injury to his back which required regular treatment from a chiropractor, as the sofabed was very heavy.

With the help of our lawyers, Mr Roberts recovered £2,113.20 compensation in respect of his injury and losses.

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£3,250 compensation for employee injured by defective chair

Harold Howell suffered a personal injury in an accident at work caused by faulty equipment, when the chair provided for him collapsed as he was sitting on it.

He suffered injuries to the soft tissues of his lower back and pelvic area, resulting in a lot of pain.

Mr Howell's employers admitted liability but would not increase their offer of compensation past £2,000, which was insufficient considering the level of injury that he sustained.

Our lawyers assisted him in recovering £3,250 damages in respect of his accident and he commented: "Many thanks for dealing with my claim so efficiently, I really appreciate your time and effort."

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Paralysed worker’s £2.4m payout

The Legal Line’s Lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors have recovered £2.4m in compensation for a student left paraplegic after a fork lift truck fell on him.

In 1995 Greg Arde took a year out of his accountancy studies to work at stationary company, Duel Ltd, based in Cwmbran, south east Wales. While he was working there, the truck he was driving toppled over and trapped Mr Arde beneath its one and a half tonne weight for 20 minutes, breaking his back in three places.

In 1998, the case went to trial and 90% liability was established against his employers. It was then decided that the amount of compensation would be assessed in March 2002; however, before then the case was settled out of Court.

Mr Arde said “I’m happy with the settlement and just want to get on with my life now. I cannot remember much about the accident, just that the forklift truck overturned. I woke up on the way to hospital then went unconscious and didn’t come round for four weeks”.

Mr Arde now suffers from impaired speech and is paralysed from the waist down. He requires 24-hour care from a team of six carers.

Mick Antoniw from Thompsons in Cardiff said that “As far as I am aware this is one of the largest ever settlements for an adult in south Wales. Greg is a remarkable individual who has learned to cope with catastrophic injuries. The compensation will help him put the accident behind him and reconstruct his life”.

If you have been injured at work and would like some advice about making a personal injury claim for compensation against your employer, contact The Legal Line for advice. You can telephone us on 0800 032 8511 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.

If you would like to read Mr Arde’s full story as reported by the BBC, please see below or visit the BBC News site.

Paralysed worker’s £2.4m payout

A student has been awarded a £2.4m in damages after a factory fork lift truck fell on him leaving him paraplegic. Greg Arde suffered a crushed spine and head when the truck he was driving toppled over in April 1995 at stationery company Duel Ltd, based in Cwmbran, south east Wales. Trapped under the one-and-a-half tonne vehicle for 20 minutes, Mr Arde's back was broken in three places.

As a result of his injuries, the 28-year-old - who had taken a year out from his accountancy studies to work at the plant - has impaired speech and is paralysed from the waist down requiring 24-hour care from a team of six carers. His case went to trial back in 1998 when 90% liability was established. The hearing agreed that damages were to be assessed in March 2002 but the case has now been settled out of court. "I'm happy with the settlement and just want to get on with my life now," Mr Arde said on Monday. "I cannot remember much about the accident, just that the forklift truck overturned. I woke up in the way to hospital then went unconscious and didn't come round for four weeks."
Mick Antoniw from Cardiff-based Thompsons Solicitors said the figure was decided upon following "a period of intense negotiations".

He said that the money would pay for round-the-clock care and a new home for Mr Arde who currently lives in Croesyceiliog near Cwmbran. "As far as I am aware this is one of the largest ever settlements for an adult in south Wales."Greg is a remarkable individual who has learned to cope with catastrophic injuries. The compensation will help him put the accident behind him and reconstruct his life." "He used to be a keen rugby player and he still goes to watch sports matches. He was a very fit young man."The money is a relief to him that it's over. It had to be in this region for him to be able to pay for his care regime that gives him his quality of life." Last year, South African-born Mr Arde won a four-year fight to remain permanently in the UK after the Home Office had told he would have to return to the country of his birth. He said: "It was a big relief when the Home Office minister decided I could stay in this country."All my friends are here and the standard of health care is so much better than in South Africa." Duel Ltd is believed to no longer be in operation.

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£75,000 compensation for slip and trip claim

The Legal Line's specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors have recently won £75,000 compensation in a public liability claim for a client who slipped on steps at the Bluebell Railway in West Sussex.

The Legal Line's Solicitors were working with the Trade Union PCS in this case, as the injured man was a member of the Union.  When he sought his Union's advice, they referred his claim to Thompsons to deal with on a cost-free basis to their member.

The injured man suffered damage to his hamstring and knee when he fell down the steps at the railway station leading to platform one.  The steps were covered in soot and coal dust from the trains and the edges of the steps were worn smooth.  The railway admitted liability for his injuries.

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Center Parcs pays up

The Legal Lines’ specialist personal injury Lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors have recovered £1,400 for a girl who scalded her hand with tea at the Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest holiday complex.

The Legal Line’s Solicitors were working alongside Trade Union PCS in this case as the injured girl’s mother was a member of the union and sought their help. PCS appointed Thompsons to deal with the claim on a cost-free basis to their member.

Charlotte Gott from Keighley, West Yorkshire was only 12 years old when the accident happened. She had visited the Jardin des Sports café within the Center Parcs site and had ordered a cup of herbal tea.

When the cup was handed to Charlotte over the counter, she found that it had been made in a glass cup with a narrow handle. The hot liquid heated the cup handle and as she tried to put the cup down quickly, the drink spilled out from the cup onto her hand.

At first, liability was denied for the injury and the case had to go to court before the holiday company admitted their mistake.

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Injury Compensation for firefighter Stephen Kilby

The Legal Line specialist personal injury solicitors secured substantial damages for Stephen Kilby, a firefighter injured at work during an emergency rescue at a South Wales steelworks.

Mr Kilby was burnt by lime, a strongly alkaline, caustic substance used in metal production. This caused both physical and psychological injuries for which our lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors Cardiff, were able to pursue a personal injury claim on his behalf.

Following the judgement Mr Kilby commented “This was a good result for me and I really appreciate your effort in achieving it on my behalf. The Service provided by Thompsons was absolutely superb.”

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Health worker wins £390,000 with help from The Legal Line’s Solicitors

Douglas Phillips from Brecon, Powys has been awarded £390,000 compensation for a road traffic accident he was involved in, in 1999, which left him with multiple injuries.

Following his injury, Mr Phillips contacted his trade union, UNISON who then instructed The Legal Line’s specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors to deal with his compensation claim on a cost-free basis to him.

The accident happened when Mr Phillips, who was employed as a nursing assistant and also a part-time school coach driver, was driving home after a nightshift at Llandrindod Hospital. As he was driving along, his vehicle was hit by a trailer, which had become detached from the lorry pulling it, owned by McNiff Engineering.

The roof of Mr Phillips’ car had to be removed by the Fire Service to allow him to be freed and he suffered from horrific injuries including crushed lungs, head injuries, internal injuries and a serious foot injury which required surgery and intensive care. He also suffered from psychological trauma due to the accident and injuries he sustained.

Mr Phillips has never been able to return to his job as a nursing assistant, which he had done for 24 years and enjoyed. He continues to suffer disability as a result of his accident.

When the legal proceedings were issued, an out-of-court settlement was agreed to compensate Mr Phillips for his injury, future medical care, domestic care together with his loss of wages and pension.

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£4,328 for Donna Goldthorpe after an accident when she was learning to drive

Whilst Donna was learning to drive with a qualified instructor, a car drove into the back of her stationary vehicle at very high speed, causing her to suffer long-term whiplash injuries to her neck.

To make the case more difficult despite numerous requests, she was unable to obtain any third party details from her instructor.

So, Donna contacted The Legal Line on 11th June 2000 and, in May 2002, our lawyers successfully recovered over £4,328 in damages for her as a result of her road traffic accident.

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Kathleen James was awarded £1,705 with help from The Legal Line

Kathleen received compensation following a road traffic accident where she was a passenger in her husband’s stationary vehicle, which was struck from behind by a car travelling at 50mph. Kathleen received hospital and remedial treatment for her injuries.

She contacted The Legal Line on 1st October 2001 and our lawyers recovered £1,705 in compensation for her.

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Whiplash Compensation for Driver Let Down by Insurers

Christine Morton, whose view of a junction was blocked by a badly parked lorry, causing her to pull out in front of another vehicle, was recently awarded £3,500 compensation in respect of the whiplash injuries she sustained.

The driver of the oncoming vehicle tried to begin a claim against Mrs Morton, for which her insurers initially admitted liability. Unhappy with this the client sought the advice of The Legal Line lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, through her trade union.

The case proceeded to Leeds County Court in March 2005. It was found that the driver of the lorry had been negligent in parking so close to the junction, something which he had done on a regular basis as the road was near to his home. There had been previous complaints by residents about this.

Also the driver overtaking the lorry, who was involved in the collision with Mrs Morton, was held to have contributed to the accident by failing to slow down when his view was not completely clear. He had been driving at or near to the speed limit.

Although the client herself was found partially responsible for the road traffic accident, for not making sufficient effort to look around the lorry, had she not have involved solicitors in the case she may have been ordered to pay the full damages and costs of the other driver.

Mr Wilcox, the driver of the lorry, was ordered to pay half the damages and costs, with the remainder divided between the client and overtaking driver. This meant that the client was fairly compensated for 18 months of whiplash pain, which would not have occurred had she allowed the matter to be taken care of by the insurance companies alone.

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The Legal Line’s Solicitors recover £5,520 after client’s trip in Wigan

The Legal Line’s specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors working together with the trade union PCS, have recovered £5,250 compensation for a lady who tripped on a broken paving stone.

The lady who works at the Jobcentre Plus office was out shopping in Wigan when she tripped on a sunken and cracked paving stone and broke a bone in her foot. She took photographs of the paving stone and measured the height of the tripping hazard as being 3cm.

The Legal Line’s Solicitors took Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council to Court as they had denied liability for the accident saying that the pavement had been inspected only three weeks before the accident and was creating a tripping hazard of less than an inch.

On the day of the trial the council admitted liability and the lady was awarded £5,250 compensation.

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Roy Keen recovered £40,000 with The Legal Line

Roy Keen’s stationary car was struck from behind by another vehicle in a road accident. Badly injured, it took firemen more than an hour to free him from his vehicle before paramedics could take him to hospital for treatment.

After contacting The Legal Line on 20th December 2000; in June 2002, our lawyers successfully recovered over £40,000 in compensation for Roy’s accident.

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£300,000 compensation awarded for Mesothelioma victim

The Legal Line’s specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors have recovered £300,000 compensation for the widow of a man who died after developing the asbestos-related disease, Mesothelioma.

Ray Kerrigan had worked at the Swan Hunter shipyards on Tyneside from 1968 until 1973 and was exposed to asbestos during this time.

In this case, The Legal Line’s solicitors were working with NASAG, the Northeast Asbestos Support & Awareness Group.

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Rachel Held received compensation of £2,100

Rachel Held was a front seat passenger in a car accident.  Her vehicle was driving behind a Transit van. A car coming from the opposite direction collided head on with the van, pushing it into her car and causing her injuries, which required hospitalisation.

Rachel contacted The Legal Line on 28th January and, in June 2002, our lawyers recovered £2,100 in compensation.

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Spencer Tomlin received over £3,300 by contacting The Legal Line

Spencer Tomlin was struck by a car whilst cycling into town, causing him to be thrown over the handlebars. He was badly injured and was taken by paramedics to hospital for treatment.

Spencer contacted The Legal Line on 28th November 2000 and, in May 2002, our lawyers recovered over £3,300 in compensation for him.

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Lisa Shuck recovered £2,500 with help from The Legal Line

after the taxi in which Lisa Shuck and a friend were taking home lost control and crashed into a traffic island, police and paramedics were called to the scene and Lisa was taken for treatment to hospital.

Lisa contacted The Legal Line on 1st August 2002. In October our lawyers successfully recovered compensation of £2,500 in respect of her road traffic accident.

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Kevin Flannery was awarded £4,000 after an accident at work

Electrician Kevin Flannery caught his neck on the jagged edge of a ceiling as he was working in the roof space of a soon-to-be-opened store as he descended steps to the floor. He suffered serious lacerations that required immediate hospital treatment.

Kevin contacted The Legal Line on 20th August 2001 and, in October 2002, our lawyers recovered £4,000 in compensation by way of an employers' liability claim.

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Andrew Jones recovered £1,750 with the help of The Legal Line

andrew Jones was a passenger in a car when another vehicle collided with it. He received injuries in the road accident.

After contacting The Legal Line on 7th January 2002, in June 2002 our solicitors recovered £1,750 for Andrew.

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The Legal Line’s Solicitors win compensation for accident on holiday

The Legal Line’s specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, together with the Fire Brigades Union have recovered £28,000 for a Swansea man injured whilst on holiday.

Retired fire-fighter, Malcolm Jones booked a package holiday to Spain through the high street travel agent, Thomsons; however, when he and his family arrived at the ‘Hotel Negresco Princess’ on the Costa Dorada they were not satisfied with their accommodation.

When they were shown to their room they discovered that it was very cramped and contained two single beds with a folding camp bed wedged between them. The family complained to the hotel staff; however, they refused to move them to an alternative room or replace the camp bed with something more suitable.

To get in and out of bed, Mr Jones had to sit on the bed and shuffle up and down the length of it and while he was doing this one day, the bed collapsed beneath him. He fell through the broken slats and his back impacted with the floor.

Mr Jones was in a lot of pain from his back injury, his holiday was ruined and he had to remain absent from work for many months. He was also obliged to take early retirement after 30 years of service.

The holiday company denied liability for the accident but in Court, the judge rejected their argument and awarded Mr Jones his damages.

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Judith Wright recovered £2,250 with the help of The Legal Line

A famous brand can of furniture polish exploded in Judith Wright’s face, whilst she was cleaning at home. This resulted in severe breathing difficulties requiring urgent hospital treatment.

Judith contacted The Legal Line on 15th July 2000 for assistance in making a product liability claim and, in April 2002, our solicitors recovered £2,250 in compensation.

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The Legal Line helped Claire Coulson recover £3,000

When the driver of the car in which Claire Coulson was a passenger lost control and collided with a roadside bollard, Claire received injuries, which required immediate hospital treatment.

Claire contacted The Legal Line on 29th January 2002 and our solicitors recovered £3,000 in compensation on her behalf.

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South African Mineworkers win Asbestos Payout

The Legal Line’s Lawyers Thompsons Solicitors have recently helped a group of former asbestos miners in South Africa to recover compensation. Thompsons worked alongside the South African firm, Ntuli Noble Spoor to obtain the £37.6m of compensation, which is the largest settlement in the country’s history.

This compensation award, paid by former mining finance house, Grencor on behalf of its former units Gefco and Msauli, marks the first of its kind to be paid to black mineworkers by a South African company.

A trust will now be set up to compensate the 1,600 workers and their families over the next 25 years.

Gencor is only one of many companies around the world facing lawsuits for exposing their employees to asbestos. Over the years many workers have been negligently exposed to asbestos, including miners, shipbuilders, construction workers and many more. These workers now have an increased risk of developing lung cancer as well as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and other asbestos related illnesses.

Following the payout, the National Union of Mineworkers said “This settlement sends a clear message that companies can no longer go on with business as usual in the hope of avoiding responsibility for their actions”.

Gencor, which is one of South Africa’s biggest conglomerates, is now free to put itself out of business. For some years now, the company has been selling off its various subsidiaries and was planning to distribute its final major asset between its shareholders in October 2002. Before Gencor could do this, Solicitors acting for the miners took action.

Tom Jones, partner at Thompsons Solicitors, London said “We stepped in and said: ‘No you don’t, not until you’ve settled your debts to the mineworkers whose lives you’ve ruined’.”

If you have contracted an asbestos related disease or a member of your family has died as a result of an exposure to asbestos, contact The Legal Line now for assistance. You can telephone us on 0800 032 8511 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.

If you would like to read the full version of the story above covered by the BBC, see below. Alternatively you can visit the BBC News site.

SA mineworkers win asbestos payout

South African mineworkers have won some 490m rand (£37.6m; $60.3m) in compensation for having been exposed to asbestos in the largest settlement in the country's history. The deal, agreed by former mining finance house Gencor on behalf of its former units Gefco and Msauli, is the first time black mineworkers have won compensation from a South African company, rather than a foreign one. A trust fund set up to compensate 1,600 workers and their families over the next 25 years will receive 378m rand, while another 42.5m will go to former employees of Cape plc, a UK company which has finally agreed a £7.5m payout to its own ex-employees after years of legal strife. A further 40m rand is being kept by Gencor for three years in case of further court action, after which it will go into the main Asbestos Relief Fund.

Gencor is only one of a number of companies around the world facing suits concerning asbestos exposure. Whether through mining or building, workers exposed to asbestos risk lung cancer and other killer respiratory including mesothelemia and asbestosis. Even though the company has not admitted liability, the National Union of Mineworkers said its members - both deceased and still living - were ensured "a measure of justice, albeit small"."This settlement sends a clear message... that companies can no longer go on with business as usual in the hope of avoiding responsibility for their actions," the union said in a statement.

In the meantime, Gencor - once one of South Africa's biggest conglomerates - can finish putting itself out of business. For some years it has been hiving off its various subsidiaries, including selling the Billiton mining unit to Australia's BHP, and splitting-off the Sappi pulp and paper group. But the distribution - planned for last October - to shareholders of its 46% stake in Impala Platinum, its sole remaining major asset, was held up by the lawyers for the claimants."It's a moribund company that was going to hand out its assets to shareholders," Tom Jones, partner at Thompsons Solicitors in London, told BBC News Online."But we stepped in and said: 'No you don't, not until you've settled your debts to the mineworkers whose lives you've ruined'." The share distribution is now set for 30 June, with the money being transferred to the trust fund the following day.

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