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News Desk | News Story
2nd August 2010
GMB wins compensation for Grimsby lorry driver who suffered crushed thumb
Injury at Work
A member of the GMB union, whose thumb was crushed as he tried to unload a trailer at work, has recovered £5,500 in personal injury compensation from his employer through his GMB membership, which funded the professional help of Thompsons Solicitors.Ian Castle, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire, worked as a lorry driver for general haulage firm P A Dunwell Transport Limited and was injured as a result of his employer’s failure to ensure safe work systems and adequate training.
The accident occurred when Mr Castle was lowering the roof door of the lorry he was unloading. The roof door crashed down on him suddenly, hitting him in the shoulder and trapping his thumb against a lever.
“It ripped my thumb nail right off, broke the bone and ended up giving me nine stitches,” says Mr Castle, “and to add insult to injury I had to go back to work before it was properly healed.”
“I couldn’t afford any more sick leave and the boss was completely unsympathetic. From his attitude I knew that if I didn’t take up a case these kinds of injuries would just keep on happening.”
Thumb is still painful more than a year after the accident
More than a year after the accident Mr Castle continues to feel pain in his thumb, his nail has been permanently deformed and he has a scar across the nail that is also likely to be permanent.
Tim Roache, GMB Regional Secretary, says: “There are thousands of laws about employers making sure their workers are safe at work. But every year GMB funds personal injury claims that enforce those laws and get justice for GMB members injured at work. I am delighted that Mr Castle’s foresight in belonging to GMB enabled the Union to get justice for him.
“Unfortunately many employers are careless with the health and safety of their employees and it takes a lot of money to fund personal injury claims. Mr Castle’s access to GMB’s free legal service has proved its worth yet again.”
Laura Hadfield from Thompsons Solicitors says: “Employers have a legal responsibility to provide safe work systems and to ensure their employees are properly trained. This settlement recognises that P A Dunwell Transport failed Ian on both counts.”
This news story was also published by Yorkshire Post and This is Grimsby.
Workplace Accident Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury at work, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
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