Moore Barlow represented a client who had an accident at work. In this case the client fell through a roof while carrying out an inspection. We worked to ensure that our client’s needs were recognised and that appropriate compensation was awarded.
Background to the accident at work
On 23 June 2017, our client (BD) was carrying out their usual duties for the Defendant company as a general labourer on a small residential site. On the day of the accident, he had been asked by another contractor to go to the roof to see how it had been left. Following instruction from his line manager, BD followed the contractor to the roof and was told to assist in removing plastic sheeting that covered it.
The plastic sheets were not see-through. Unbeknown to BD, one of these sheets was covering a hole in the roof, which was intended to be used as a skylight. Our client unfortunately fell through this, falling 12 to 15 feet before landing on a concrete floor on his back.
Immediate treatment
BD was immediately dazed following the accident and experienced strong pains in his head and back. He was taken by ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, where he was examined in the Accident and Emergency Department. After undergoing investigative scans, it was confirmed that he had sustained a T12 fracture of the spine. This was managed by placing BD in a TSLO brace. He also suffered a laceration to the back of his head, which required 9 sutures, and a focal right frontal contusion.
Our client suffered from strong dizziness while in hospital, even while sitting up in bed. He was very unsteady on his feet and needed someone beside him when walking.
Discharge and ongoing treatment
BD was discharged from St George’s Hospital on 30 June 2017. He remained in the TSLO brace for a further 3 months and had to wear this for 23 hours a day, meaning he was largely unable to leave his bed.
BD was discharged from St George’s care on 19 September 2017, at which point he was advised to start using his brace less. He was then referred to the Neuro Outpatients Physiotherapy at St. Richard’s Hospital. While under the care of St. Richard’s Hospital, BD was treated for BPPV (one of the most common causes of vertigo). This was extremely debilitating for BD and initial treatment was unsuccessful.
BD’s Wife was required to provide him with considerable domestic care and assistance, including washing him, cooking and carrying out other domestic chores.
The claim and result
Medical evidence was obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Audio-Vestibular Physician and a Neuro-Otologist, as well as evidence obtained from an Employment Consultant. This evidence outlined the difficulty and pain BD was experiencing, as well as his disadvantage in the job market.
Liability was admitted by the Defendant on 18 October 2017 and the claim eventually settled for a five-figure sum. This takes into account not only BD’s physical injuries, but his consequential losses from the accident, such as the need for domestic care and loss of earnings.
We were pleased to be able to support BD and his family through this difficult period after the accident at work. We were also delighted to secure a settlement which will allow them to live a more comfortable life.
How Moore Barlow can help
Achieving appropriate compensation is often complex, and requires exceptional legal support. As one of the UK’s top personal injury law firms, we are consistently praised by the independent legal directories, Chambers UK and Legal 500. Some of our lawyers are also medically qualified, providing a high level of knowledge and understanding.
Contact our personal injury lawyers now for expert legal advice, if you have had an accident at work.
