What happened to David
David worked for a wind turbine company and was sent to Hull for a two-week period. On the day of the accident, a team of around ten operatives were moving wind turbine blades into position. The workforce included employees from the main contractor, employees from its parent company, and subcontractors working on site.
Before the blade movement began, both the Foreman and Team Leader left the work area to attend a meeting.
As the blade was being moved into its final position, another worker announced that the job was complete and suggested taking a tea break. Believing the task had finished, David reached to remove a pin from the forks supporting the root end of the blade. Unknown to him, the blade was still being lowered.
He suddenly felt pressure on his foot and shouted to a nearby colleague. The blade was immediately lifted, freeing his foot.
What injuries did David suffer?
The accident caused significant injuries to three toes on David's left foot. Medical evidence confirmed a serious and disfiguring injury.
- Crush injuries to the first, second, and third toes of his left foot
- Compound comminuted fracture of his left great toe with significant soft tissue damage
- Surgery on his second toe, involving excision of the distal phalanx
- Compound fracture of the third toe, which did not require surgery
- Loss of sensation in the first and second toes following the accident
How Paschal O'Hare Solicitors handled his claim
Following a recommendation from a friend, David instructed our Managing Partner, Patrick O'Hare, to pursue a claim for compensation.
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Letters of Claim were sent to both David's employer and the main contractor on site in England.
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Expert medical evidence was obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in foot injuries and a Consultant Psychiatrist.
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High Court proceedings were issued against both defendants. As the case progressed, the main contractor assumed conduct of the defence and the proceedings continued against them alone.
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The matter was set down for trial. Before the hearing could take place, the defendant invited settlement negotiations.
The outcome
The settlement reflected the seriousness of David's injuries: the crush injuries to his toes, the surgery required, and the disfiguring nature of the damage to his foot.
I will be forever grateful to Patrick O'Hare and his team for the outstanding service provided throughout this case. I am absolutely thrilled with the level of settlement achieved. I would have no hesitation recommending Paschal O'Hare Solicitors to anyone involved in a serious accident involving life-changing injuries.
David — Client
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