Arthur, a lorry driver, was seriously injured in a work accident in County Armagh. He was employed by a company to collect items from a premises. On the day of the accident, Arthur was driving a curtain-sided lorry with the side curtains opened. As he stood near the lorry, one of the company’s employees used a forklift on the opposite side to load two items at a time onto the truck. Arthur would then apply ratchet straps to secure the materials. However, when loading one set of the materials, the forklift operator nudged them, causing one of the items to fall off and strike Arthur between his elbow and arm. A heavy material landed on him, trapping him from the ribs down. A forklift was used to remove the item and free Arthur.
As a result of this accident, Arthur sustained a significant injury to his right arm. It was broken in two places. He required surgery and a number of wires were inserted. He was off work and subsequently had to go and work in a less rigorous working environment.
Arthur reached out to our serious injury solicitors
Upon the recommendation of a friend, Arthur contacted Patrick O’Hare of this firm to pursue a claim on his behalf. Liability for the accident was admitted. A medical report was obtained from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. This indicated that the Plaintiff suffered a comminuted displaced fracture of the junction of the proximal and middle third of his right radius and ulna. This was treated with internal fixation with plate and screws. He was left with scarring to the forearm.
Despite attending physiotherapy, he had ongoing pain in the forearm with limitation of movement particularly with rotating movements of the shoulder and extension and limited grip strength in the right hand. Furthermore, there was a feeling of numbness in the right thumb. It was felt that Arthur would have restriction of movement of the right forearm on a permanent basis going forward.
It was our contention that Arthur suffered a significant loss of wages and that there would be a reduction in earning capacity going forward because of the need to change to a less physical job. An initial offer of £80,000 was made. This was rejected out of hand. Further discussions took place, and a settlement was finally agreed at £135,000 which Arthur was happy with.
If you have suffered a serious work injury in County Armagh, turn to our team of experienced solicitors for legal help. Our law firm has been assisting injured clients across Northern Ireland for over five decades. Learn more about how we can help or contact our solicitors in our Belfast, Glengormley and Carrickfergus offices. We will handle every step of your case with utmost professionalism and care.
