Injured factory worker receives £122,000 after seeking legal advice

Posted: April 21, 2016

Posted in: Foot Injuries Workplace Injuries 

A factory worker, who sustained considerable injuries to his foot and ankle when a burning iron girder fell on him, has received £122,000 pounds after seeking legal advice. The worker, Shaun Powell from Chesterfield, was initially approached by his employer and offered £1700 for his time off work just six weeks after the accident. He decided to take advice from his union, who in turn referred him to their solicitors. The solicitor has condemned the underhand tactics of Mr Powell’s employers, stating:

“This is the worst case I’ve seen of employers and their insurers attempting to take advantage of their employee’s vulnerability”.

Continues to suffer from chronic pain syndrome

Mr Powell had been an employee of Joseph Ash Chesterfield Ltd when the factory accident occurred. It transpired that he and a colleague had been galvanising a 10m long, 1.25 tonne steel beam and had been advised by bosses to place the beam on haunches on uneven ground. The beam toppled off the haunches and landed on Mr Powell’s ankle. He suffered excruciating pain and his foot was broken and badly burned. He required skin grafts for his burns, and continues to suffer from chronic pain syndrome which necessitates regular pain control injections.

The 43-year-old worker has been left with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as suffering from flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety. He has been unable to work since the accident and is unable to look for alternative employment due to his injuries.

His solicitor stressed the importance of seeking legal advice at all times when there has been an accident in the workplace.

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