An administrative assistant employed by Dundee City Council received £7,000 in compensation after suffering injuries in a workplace slip accident. Thompsons Solicitors Scotland pursued the claim after the worker was referred by his union following a fall caused by an obstruction left on the office floor.
What happened
In November 2017, the claimant arrived at his workplace at an office off Jack Martin Way in Dundee at around 7am. He worked as an administrative assistant and routinely walked with the aid of an elbow crutch.
When he arrived, the building was still locked because the security guard had not yet arrived. At approximately 7.20am, a handyman came to the site and allowed him into the building.
As the claimant walked towards his section of the office at the rear of the ground floor, the overhead light sensors failed to activate. While making his way towards the window to open the blinds, his crutch caught on a black bin liner that had been left on the floor.
The crutch slipped from beneath him, causing him to fall onto his right knee. During the fall he also twisted his back, wrenched his right shoulder and injured his left leg.
Following the incident, the handyman took the claimant to his GP so that he could be examined.
Injuries and Impact
The fall aggravated the claimant’s pre-existing condition of chronic back pain and sciatica. He also experienced continued numbness above his left knee.
In January 2018 he required surgery.
Medical evidence confirmed that the incident exacerbated his existing back problems by more than one year. The accident also led to a major depressive episode with anxiety lasting for a year.
Legal Approach
Thompsons’ specialist accidents at work solicitors pursued a claim against Dundee City Council on the claimant’s behalf.
Liability was initially admitted by the employer, but settlement was not forthcoming. Thompsons therefore raised workplace accident litigation in the All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
After court proceedings had been raised, the employer subsequently denied liability.
Outcome
Despite the dispute over liability, Thompsons continued to pursue the case and secured a settlement for the claimant.
On 24 May 2022, Thompsons secured £7,000 compensation for the injuries he suffered in the workplace accident.
What This case Shows
This case demonstrates how hazards left in a workplace environment can lead to serious accidents, particularly for employees who rely on mobility aids.
It also highlights that even when liability is disputed, injured workers may still be able to pursue compensation with the help of specialist accident lawyers. Thompsons’ work in this case helped the claimant secure compensation after his injuries were caused by unsafe conditions at work.
Anyone injured in similar circumstances may be able to pursue a claim through a No Win No Fee arrangement. For more information or to discuss your situation, you can contact Thompsons.
