The claimant’s details have been changed but this is indeed a true case
Phil Mulryne acted for Mr R, the Claimant, to pursue a claim for personal injuries and losses following an accident at work.
The Claimant sustained an injury to his right middle finger as a result of a metal tool being dropped onto his right hand.
As a result of the injuries he received A&E treatment, with the wound being repaired and stitched.
The Claimant was off work for 3 or 4 weeks as a consequence of his injury.
The Claimant underwent treatment which improved his symptoms although he was left with loss of sensation to his finger and reduced grip which was likely to be permanent.
Whilst the Claimant was able to continue with his work he was assessed as being handicapped on the open labour market permanently as the injuries sustained would preclude him, in particular, from undertaking any jobs that involved working outdoors due to an increase in symptoms when his hand was exposed to the cold. He was also precluded from doing any work which involved heavy lifting/carrying.
The Claimant had incurred a small amount of loss of earnings as a result of being off work and he also claimed for a level of care and assistance provided to him by his wife for the initial period following the accident.
He was also restricted in terms of carrying out DIY/gardening tasks.
The claim was put to the Claimant’s employers who accepted liability.
Court proceedings were commenced and a global settlement figure was put forward in the sum of £40,000, which was subsequently increased to £50,000 and settlement was reached on this basis. Whilst a global offer was put forward, it is estimated that personal injury damages were in the region of £15,000, with the award including in the region of £30,000 to cover the Claimant’s handicap/working restrictions should he need to find alternative employment. The overall settlement also incorporated the element of care/assistance and some additional expenses in relation to medication costs/attending medical appointments, etc.
