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14th January 2010
£90,000 for scaffolder after 40ft fall
Fell from scaffolding
A scaffolder who miraculously survived a 40ft fall has been awarded £90,000.Trevor Cox, 43, an advanced scaffolder from Newcastle was off work for eight months with his injuries after the accident in July 2007.
He was dismantling scaffolding for his employer Cape Industrial Services, based in Wakefield, at Drax Power Station when he fell through what he assumed to be a metal grating platform. It was in fact plastic demister packs.
Accident caused fractures and dislocation
He suffered from fractured ribs, suspected fractures to his spine, and a dislocation and nerve damage to his left shoulder. He was airlifted to Pinderfield Hospital, Wakefield by Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
His injuries mean he cannot use his arm to work above shoulder height without pain and discomfort and he has been unable to return to his trade as a scaffolder.
He has instead found less physically demanding work as a scaffolding inspector in Abu Dhabi.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
The Unite member contacted his union after the accident which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons argued the platform was unstable and unable to hold Mr Cox’s weight. They said Cape should have warned him about the dangers.
Cape Industrial Services disputed liability throughout but with the trial impending they settled the claim out of court.
Working conditions were unsafe
Mr Cox said: “I have worked as a scaffolder for 20 years and never had an accident like this before. I found out afterwards that the platform was unsafe but I had been instructed to dismantle it with no warning of the dangers. It was my first day on Drax Power Station.
“I’ve had to give up my trade and I’m now having to work abroad to make a living for my family.”
Davey Hall from Unite said: “Scaffolding is a dangerous job which must be meticulously planned so all hazards are identified. Cape is one of the world’s largest suppliers of scaffolding so it is simply unacceptable that it did not live up to the highest health and safety standards on this occasion.”
Trevor Hall from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Mr Cox is fortunate that his injuries were not worse considering the height he fell from. He has been determined to return to work but unfortunately will never work in his trade again. The level of compensation in part reflects this.”
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury at work after falling from a height, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim including claims relating to falls from a height. 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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