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 injury damages and additional losses following an accident which occurred at work.
At the time of the accident Mr R was undertaking a risk assessment to a trailer ramp system when his right hand became trapped, resulting in an injury and subsequently an amputation of 1cm from the top of his right middle finger and a smaller amputation from the top of his ring finger.
The claim was presented to Mr R’s employers and liability was initially denied.
Eventually, after negotiations between the parties, a liability apportionment on a 70%/30% liability basis was reached between the parties taking into consideration the fact that Mr R had contributed towards the accident.
Mr R made a reasonable recovery following surgery but continued to suffer numbness in the fingertips and a restriction in his dexterity.
In addition to the claim for personal injury damages, Mr R claimed the cost of travelling expenses attending medical appointments. Mr R also required assistance from his wife for the first month or so following the accident in relation to his personal hygiene.
Mr R was also unable to look after his young sons for a few months, and couldn’t undertake any gardening or general household duties for a similar period.
As settlement was not agreed between the parties it was necessary to commence court proceedings. An offer was put forward in the sum of £16,100 by the Defendants and following further negotiations settlement was agreed in the sum of £18,500.