Tram driver suffers fractured ankle at work

A Unite member who suffered a fractured ankle following an accident at work has been awarded compensation with the help of Unite Legal Services.

Miriam Storey, who is employed as a tram driver for South Yorkshire Super Tram Ltd in Sheffield, was walking along the platform at Westfield tram stop to board an outbound tram, when she slipped on ice and fell onto the tracks, hitting her head and injuring her ankle.

Mrs Storey was diagnosed with a fracture to her ankle, along with bruising and required physiotherapy sessions and help with day-to-day activities for a month following the accident. She was not able to return to work for six weeks and continues to suffer from pain and swelling in her ankle, which a medical expert confirmed is now permanent.

Unite Legal Services made a claim for compensation
Miriam instructed Unite Legal Services to pursue a claim on her behalf against her employer. Investigations revealed that there were numerous health and safety failures. It was revealed that although numerous tram drivers and conductors had reported black ice on the platform on the morning of the accident, no gritting had taken place.

Settlement
Although Miriam’s employer’s admitted primary liability for the accident, they made allegations in relation to contributory negligence.

Following negotiations, her employers offered a full and final settlement in the sum of £9,500, which was accepted.

Mrs Storey, who has worked for South Yorkshire Super Tram Ltd for a number of years said: “The outcome of my accident wasn’t just the short-term physical pain and discomfort I suffered, but also the permanent damage that I have been left with.

This is a situation that could very easily have been avoided. I’m very grateful to Unite Legal Services for their support throughout the legal process. I should never have suffered an injury because of my job but I’m glad I had the backing of my trade union to make sure I was compensated for my employer’s lack of consideration for my safety.”

Karen Reay, North East Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary of Unite the Union, said:  “An accident at work that results in an injury is a horrible experience. By pursuing her claim through Unite Legal Services, she has received 100% of her compensation for an injury that she should never have suffered, and her employer has rightfully been held solely to account.”