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21st May 2009
Engineer compensated for horrific injuries
Arm pulled into a machine
A man who suffered a horrific injury when his arm was pulled into a machine has received £50,000 in compensation.Engineer David Cotterrill, 29, from Folkestone in Kent had to undergo specialist surgery in France following the accident at Silver Spring Mineral Water Company’s factory in Kent.
His right arm was pulled into a bottle-making machine after he slipped on oil and water which had collected on the factory floor.
The doors of the machine had been left open as David carried out routine maintenance. When he slipped his shirt sleeve caught on the machine and his arm was dragged in.
Three months off work after accident
David had to take three months off following the accident and now works for a different company. He travelled to France for treatment on his arm after the NHS consultants said they couldn’t do any more for him.
Specialists at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris found he had what is known as a “compartment injury”, where the accident had caused his muscles to swell so much they had become too big for the sheath surrounding them. They had to carry out keyhole surgery in which they cut holes in the sheath to allow the muscle to expand freely.
David still suffers from pain now but his arm is slowly recovering. He said he hopes by the end of the year that he will be pain-free.
He said: “I decided to go to France for private treatment after the NHS said they could not do any more for me. The specialists in France were able to give me tests not offered in the UK and discovered I was suffering from compartment syndrome, caused by the accident.
“I am relieved that I have finally had surgery on this injury and that the claim has come to an end. The money will help me to pay my medical bills. I now look forward to getting my life back on track.”
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
Following the accident David instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation. Silver Spring Mineral Water Company admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.
Andrew Hutson from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mr Cotterrill suffered a horrific accident which has seen him suffer immense pain and have to travel to a different country for specialist treatment. This could all have been easily avoided had his employers complied with health and safety practices.”
How to start a claim for compensation
If you or someone you know has been injured 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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