Peter, a Unite member, has secured compensation after he was involved in an accident during the course of his employment at Barratt Steel.
On the day of his accident, Peter was loading cut steel onto a roller transporter. A colleague operating the machine activated it before Peter had finished repositioning the steel and his leg was crushed.
Peter was diagnosed with a fractured femur and sustained muscle and tissue damage. He also needed an operation and spent four days in hospital.
He attempted to return to work, but ultimately was not able to do so due to his injuries.
Peter’s employers failed to have an adequate risk assessment in place to ensure that there was a safe working environment. It was suggested that the rollers should be isolated if the access gate was open.
Peter contacted Unite Legal Services and was put in touch with a specialist personal injury solicitor to discuss his case.
Unite Legal Services funded a medical report from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, which assisted Peter’s case further by setting out the injuries he sustained in the accident and period of recovery. They also funded rehabilitation.
The insurance company acting on behalf of Peter’s employer accepted liability.
An offer of £51,729.02 was made by his employer’s insurers in respect of Peter’s case. This was discussed with Peter and accepted.
Peter said: “Throughout my claim the personal support and assistance I received from Unite Legal Services was greatly appreciated. I would recommend that everyone becomes a member of Unite, as they don't just support you with work issues.”
Karen Reay, North East Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary at Unite the Union, said: “An accident at work that results in an injury is a horrible experience. By pursuing his claim through Unite Legal Services, Peter has received 100% of his compensation for an injury that he should never have suffered, and his employer has rightfully been held to account.”
