Morrish Solicitors secure compensation for Unite the Union member following accident at work
A Unite the Union member who sustained an injury to his wrist following an accident at work in December 2008 has received compensation with the help of Unite Legal Services.
The Unite member, 62, who was an HGV driver from Pocklington, was delivering to a supermarket in Stoke-on-Trent.
Once parked, he tried to pull himself up onto the trailer so that he could remove the restraining strap and unload the vehicle. As he pulled himself up, the strap came off the trailer, which caused him to fall heavily onto the concrete floor of the loading bay.
He was taken to hospital where he was x-rayed and informed that he had fractured his right dominant wrist and was put into a plaster cast. He also injured his right shoulder, lower back and neck and sustained tendon damage.
The member was unable to return to work as an HGV driver and still suffers ongoing pain.
He contacted his trade union, Unite following the accident. Unite Legal Services instructed Morrish Solicitors to act on the members behalf.
Investigations found that the strap looked worn and this was the cause of the member’s accident. It was put forward that his employer had failed to maintain and provide safe work equipment.
Correspondence was entered into with the employer’s insurer and medical reports were obtained from various Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons. The experts confirmed that the member may require surgery on his shoulder in the future and ongoing physiotherapy would be required for his right wrist. They also stated that his back and neck injury accelerated his pre-existing symptoms and it would be unlikely that he would work again as an HGV driver.
Court papers were served and the member’s employer’s admitted full liability. Following negotiations regarding damages and loss of earnings the member was entitled to received, the case settled for £51,000, following an initial offer of £31,000.
The Unite member said: “I was really pleased with the support from Unite Legal Services. It came at the right time for me. I would rather not have had the accident in the first place, but this compensation means I have been able to get proper rehabilitation. I’m not quite back to what I was, but I’m getting there, thanks to Morrish Solicitors who are Unite Legal Services panel solicitors.”
Karen Reay, North East Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Secretary of Unite the Union added:
“This member had been an HGV driver for many years and as a result of his accident, lost the last few years of his working life. Being a member of Unite has ensured this member has received good legal representation from our Unite Legal Services and kept 100% of his compensation. Our legal services are at hand to act for all Unite members and their families. “
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
- Unite the Union is the largest Trade Union in Britain and Ireland.
- Unite Legal Services acts on behalf of all Unite members and last year recovered over £100m in compensation for members injured at work.
- Morrish Solicitors have worked with the Trade Union movement for over 100 years and are an experienced personal injury firm based in Leeds, with additional offices in Bradford, Pudsey and Yeadon.
- Anyone interested in joining Unite The Union can contact a Regional Office on 0113 2364830 or go to www.unitetheunion.org.
Media Contacts
Ciaran Naidoo
Unite the Union
0203 371 2059
