Blinded welder wins compensation payout
A welder who was left blinded and seriously injured after being struck on the head by a five-and-a-half tonne metal sheet, has won a two-year battle for his work accident claim payout.
The worker, from Eckington, was left blind by the accident. He was also paralysed down his left side, and lost his sense of taste and smell.
He has had to undergo extensive rehabilitation to aid his recovery, and it is still expected that he will need lifelong help.
His employers refused to admit professional negligence over the accident, even though he was using a designated walkway.
Meanwhile the worker’s mother consulted with professional injury lawyers who advised the family to make a compensation claim against the company.
The case went to trial at Sheffield High Court, where Mr Justice MacDuff QC ruled against the man's employers and awarded compensation.
The judge also ruled that the worker would receive 100 per cent of the final settlement, which has to be calculated to cover any previous and future costs, as well as damages for pain and suffering.
Updated on 24/03/2010