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You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

1st April 2009

Payout for footballer injured at work

Slipped at Work

GMB member Kevin Fullard Junior, 23, from Barrow in Furness was forced to take nine weeks off work following the fall in which he broke his left leg below his knee.

He was working as a painter at the BAE Systems site in Barrow for subcontractor Barrier Limited when the accident happened.

The ball bearings - used as shot blast to create smooth surfaces on metal - rolled from the paint shop into the toilet across the corridor. When Kevin went to the toilet he didn’t notice the debris and slipped.

Torn Ligaments in Knee

Following the accident he underwent keyhole surgery on his left knee to fix torn ligaments.

Although Kevin has now returned to work full time he has missed an entire football season as a defender for Furness Rovers’ third team.

He contacted the GMB for advice following his accident. The union instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors, which has a drop-in clinic at the GMB’s Barrow offices.

Kevin said: “I had to take a long time off work as a result of this accident and I was only paid a fraction of my normal wages due to the amount of overtime I missed. I still suffer from pain and I’m not back playing football yet. I’ve missed the entire season which is frustrating when it is as a result of poor housekeeping.

“I decided to contact the GMB as I was concerned about the money I had lost. I also wanted to make sure that something was done to prevent anything similar happening to a colleague.”

Keeping a safe workplace must be paramount for employers

Thompsons secured an out of court settlement for Kevin after Barrier Limited admitted liability. The firm has also put procedures in place to make sure shot blast is contained within the correct areas.

Steve Gibbons from the GMB said: “We are pleased we have been able to support Kevin in his claim for compensation and working alongside Thompsons Solicitors we have been able to achieve safer working practices for Barrier’s employees.

“This case shows the importance of trade union legal services for members.”

Fiona Belgian from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Keeping a safe workplace must be paramount for employers, especially those working in heavy industries. A good housekeeping system is all it takes to ensure debris like shot blast doesn’t cause a hazard to employees.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury at work after slipping or tripping, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any accident compensation 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.