Thompsons secured £104,055.83 in compensation for a UNISON member who suffered serious injuries after a billboard attached to a construction site fence detached and struck her outside her workplace in Glasgow. The incident left her unconscious and caused multiple physical injuries along with lasting psychological effects.
What happened
The incident occurred on 8 March 2022 outside the claimant’s workplace in Glasgow.
A billboard attached to a construction site fence became detached and struck the claimant on the head. The force of the impact knocked her unconscious.
The accident happened in a public area near the construction site.
Injuries and Impact
The claimant sustained several serious injuries as a result of the incident.
These included a broken jaw which required surgery and the insertion of five metal plates, a fractured second vertebra that required her to wear a neck brace for several weeks, and a fractured eye socket.
She also suffered shoulder and arm injuries including a frozen shoulder and inflammation.
The accident had a significant psychological impact. The claimant experienced anxiety, low mood and social withdrawal following the incident.
Her recovery involved hospital treatment, surgery, physiotherapy for her neck and shoulder and counselling to help address the psychological impact.
Despite treatment, she continues to experience ongoing pain, numbness and reduced quality of life.
What Went Wrong
Investigations identified that the construction company responsible for the site had failed to properly secure the billboard attached to the site fencing.
Legal Approach
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland pursued a claim against the construction company responsible for the site after being instructed by the claimant through her union, UNISON.
Liability for the incident was admitted by the company’s insurers.
However, initial settlement offers of £45,000 and £75,000 were considered insufficient to reflect the seriousness of the claimant’s injuries and the impact on her life.
Court proceedings were therefore raised in the Court of Session.
Expert medical evidence was obtained to assess the full extent of the claimant’s physical and psychological injuries.
Outcome
Following further negotiations and consideration of the expert evidence, the defenders made a final settlement offer of £104,055.83.
This included £769.95 to repay recoverable benefits and £4,055.83 relating to repayable sick pay. The remaining £99,230.05 was awarded directly to the claimant for her injuries and losses.
Thompsons secured £104,055.83 in compensation for the claimant and the settlement was agreed in November 2024.
Seonaid Brophy
Seonaid Brophy
“This case underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for public safety. Our client’s injuries were entirely preventable, and her life has been irrevocably altered. We are proud to have secured a settlement that provides financial security and acknowledges the profound impact of her ordeal.”
What this case shows
This case demonstrates the serious consequences that can arise when safety measures at construction sites are not properly implemented.
Individuals who suffer life-changing injuries due to negligence may be able to pursue compensation through serious injury claims. Thompsons can often assist clients through the claims process under a No Win No Fee agreement.
Anyone seeking advice about a similar incident can contact Thompsons to discuss their circumstances.
