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News Desk | News Story
4th January 2010
£110,000 for GMB member injured by forklift truck
Foot and Leg run over by forklift truck
A labourer who had his foot and leg run over by a forklift truck and will never work in that role again has won £110,000 in compensation.David Osmond, 58, from Usworth in Washington was left with multiple fractures to his left foot and ankle after a colleague reversed into him in February 2007. He never returned to work at Thompsons Technik in Houghton Le Spring and has been told that he will never be able to return to full time employment as a driver.
As a result of the accident he has to permanently use a stick.
The forklift truck's warning sound and reversing light were not working
The GMB member was loading pallets when he was hit from behind by the forklift. Neither the truck’s warning sound nor its reversing lights were working.
Mr Osmond was wearing ear defenders and didn’t hear the truck behind him. He sustained a severe crush injury to his foot and ankle which needed a skin graft and a number of operations to repair. He also suffered a fractured fibula and metatarsal.
Following the accident he contacted his union which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.
Thompsons Solicitors recovered compensation for injured worker
The case was complicated by his employers going into administration in February 2009 but Thompsons solicitors were able to secure damages after the employers agreed to attend mediation.
Mr Osmond said: “I had hoped to work until my retirement and despite Technik going into administration I would have got work.
“I now have to walk with a stick and know that I will never return to work. This compensation will help make ends meet.”
Val Scott from the GMB said: “Forklift trucks are extremely heavy vehicles which can cause severe injuries if not used properly or aren't kept in good repair. Regular inspection would have avoided our member being unable to work again.”
David Mole from Thompsons Solicitors added: “It beggars belief that nothing was done to fix this forklift's warning sound and reversing lights. If they had been working Mr Osmond would be working today.”
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury as a result of a fork lift truck accident, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim including claims for accidents involving fork lift trucks. 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 compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
