Colin tripped over a box that had been left on the floor. The area had been congested with boxes for some time. There had been complaints but nothing had been done about it. When he tripped, he twisted his knee and suffered an injury that needed surgery and has had a long-lasting effect on his life.
Immediately following the accident, Colin contacted Unite Legal Services who made the claim for him and got an early admission that his employer was at fault. He also received an interim payment to cover some of his losses.
Colin’s worry was that he might have to give up work earlier than he intended because his knee was deteriorating. It was important that he got compensation to have a lump sum there in case he did have to give up work.
Not only did Unite Legal Services negotiate compensation for Colin but he also received documented assurances that his job would be protected.
Colin said: “I am so grateful for the support of Unite Legal Services. It was there when I needed it.
“I did not really have any time off work after the accident but my worry was always what was going to happen in the future. The medical expert told me that I was going to need a knee replacement. It was going to be very difficult for me to do my job as a coach builder if that was to happen. I no longer have to worry about my future and that is all thanks to Unite Legal Services.”
Karen Reay, North East, Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary at Unite the Union, said: “This was an unfortunate accident which has resulted in a long-term impact on the life of this individual. Without the support of Unite Legal Services, Colin would have struggled to obtain the full compensation and advice that he was entitled to. We are delighted with the result.”
