£3.25 million settlement for our client who suffered a catastrophic accident at work

Our client

Sebastian, our client, was working as a lorry driver delivering concrete at the time of his accident. While in the process of operating the large mixer, the 300kg dispensing tube fell from the mixer and onto his leg. The force of this impact crushed Sebastian’s leg, causing a traumatic amputation, as well as injuries to his kidneys spleen, internal bleeding, and a pulmonary embolism. After it was established that the metalwork holding the tube in place was faulty, a letter of claim was sent to our client’s employers. Their insurers immediately admitted fault due to the defective work equipment.

As part of the case, Tracey was able to develop a collaborative relationship with the other party. An early interim payment was made to our client, and a specialist case manager was appointed to put in place a full rehabilitation plan.

This included:

• A fully case managed rehabilitation programme to enable the quickest progression possible towards the provision of prosthetic limbs
• Full funding of the private prosthetics supplied by Dorset Orthopaedics to include multiple limbs and regular maintenance thereafter
• Vocational advice and support

As well as funding all the treatment and equipment Sebastian needed, a number of voluntary interim payments were made to assist him with the transitioning to a new career and location. The extent of the collaboration and supportive nature of the defendant’s insurers made an enormous difference to our client’s mental health, and enabled him to concentrate on his rehabilitation as opposed to worrying about financial commitments.

Valuing the claim

In order to fully investigate and understand Sebastian’s future needs and properly value his claim, our experts sought advice from specialists in the following areas:

• Orthopaedics
• Specialist Amputee Rehabilitation Consultant
• Prosthetics
• Accommodation
• Care and Occupational Therapy
• Psychiatry

As part of the process, it was established that Sebastian will require single level accommodation, and that as he ages his mobility will become more compromised and his care needs will increase. This must all be factored into any settlement, and the future costs of prosthetics, care and accommodation, as well as loss of earnings, were all carefully considered when Sebastian’s claim was valued.

The case was settled through negotiation for a net payment of £3.25 million, which was in addition to the costs of rehabilitation and previous interim payments. Because of this settlement, Sebastian is now able to move on with his life knowing that the costs of his future prosthetics, accommodation and care needs are secured.

After the settlement

Sebastian is an inspirational and highly motivated person. He was 26 at the date of the accident and has now relocated to Warwickshire where he’s opened up a chain of health food shops. He was also a keen body builder prior to the accident, and with his prosthetics is now entering professional competitions, which he’s been recognised for in the national press. He’s also since become engaged to his partner, and we look forward to following his ongoing success and story.

At Slater and Gordon, our experts have experience in working closely with clients who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries at work, and helping them to achieve justice. Tracey Benson is a leading personal injury lawyer, who’s been recognised in the 2022 editions of multiple legal publications. As stated in Legal 500, “Tracey Benson is a hugely experienced team leader with a shrewd judgment and an innate ability to secure the best possible settlements for her clients”.

If you or a loved one have suffered due to an accident at work, you need experts you can talk to and trust. Our team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers can take you through the claims process on a No Win No Fee basis, which means there is no financial risk to making a claim. To speak to an expert today, call us on 0330 041 5869, or contact us online here.