Edward worked as a lorry driver for a fuel company based in Islandmagee. He had raised repeated concerns about a fault in the lorry’s braking system. Despite reporting the problem several times, he was advised to reconnect the air pipe whenever the brakes failed, something he had already been forced to do on multiple occasions. The lorry had been sent for repair, but the defect continued to reappear.
On the day of the accident, the same fault happened again. Edward crawled under the lorry to try and reconnect the air pipe. The vehicle rolled back and crushed him, causing fatal injuries. His wife instructed Paschal O’Hare Solicitors to bring a claim arising from his death, including a significant future loss of earnings claim as Edward had been the main provider for their family.
Paschal O’Hare Solicitors Took On the Case
Partner Seymour Major led the claim and gathered the evidence needed to understand the full circumstances of the accident. This included obtaining the Coroner’s Report and commissioning an expert accountancy assessment of the family’s future financial loss. Court proceedings were issued against Edward’s employer, who in turn added the repair garage to the case. The matter progressed to a hearing date.
Settlement Secured
In the period leading up to the listed hearing, further negotiations took place. Seymour secured a settlement of £375,000 on behalf of Edward’s family. The settlement reflected the seriousness of the failings involved, the loss suffered by his wife and children and the long term financial impact of his death.
Partner Seymour Major Commented
“Edward’s death was a profound loss for his family. He raised concerns about this brake defect more than once, and what happened should never have occurred. Our priority was to uncover the truth, protect his family’s position and ensure they received proper financial security for the years ahead.”
Fatal Workplace Accident Claims in Northern Ireland
If you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, contact Paschal O’Hare Solicitors. Our specialist team is ready to support your family and help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to.