Back injury news
15/03/2011

Work accident claim for lift shaft fall

A 54-year-old man, who suffered serious personal injuries in 2009, could now make a work accident claim for compensation.

The incident, which took place in Brighton at flats in Roedean Road, occurred when the victim was carrying a kitchen unit up some stairs with the help of a colleague.

When they reached the second floor the man lost his footing and fell down an open lift shaft, which had been left unprotected despite a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector having visited the site five months previously and telling the construction company to use barriers.

The worker fell six metres and suffered a severe back injury, a fractured pelvis, and ruptured his aorta, which is the largest artery in the body.

He was treated in intensive care for six days and remained at the hospital for a further month.

The accident victim will now have trouble walking for the rest of his life, and has been unable to work since being injured in the fall.

The Brighton-based construction firm pleaded guilty to having caused the incident through a breach of Health and Safety legislation, and has now been fined £25,000 as well as paying £15,000 in court costs.

Now that the company has been found liable, the victim of the fall may make a work accident claim for his personal injuries and loss of earnings.