Thompsons' slip accident solicitors were contacted by Mr L Critchley, a 57-year-old scaffolder, via his union Unite, in relation to accident he was involved in during the course of his employment on 24 July 2016.

The background

Mr Critchley had been working on the Safe Boreas floatel, "the most advanced and efficient harsh environment accommodation vessel in the world". On the day of the accident, our client had been shaving in the bathroom of his workplace accommodation; he slipped on a wet floor and sustained an injury to his left knee.

Following the offshore work accident Mr Critchley attended hospital and was diagnosed with a ruptured quadriceps tendon in his left knee.

The settlement

Thompsons' work injury solicitors were instructed via the injured man's union and we subsequently intimated a compensation claim.

We obtained expert medical evidence from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed a rupture of the quadriceps tendon. A second piece of expert evidence from an employment specialist stated it was unlikely that Mr Critchley would be able to return to work as a scaffolder and that he would likely be able only to return to light manual work instead.

Mr Critchley's employers admitted liability via their insurance company and a £5,000 interim payment was made in anticipation of full settlement.

After receiving our medical reports and our valuation, the defender's insurance company made an offer of £80,750 work injury compensation.

However, following discussions with Thompsons work accident solicitors, Mr Critchley rejected this offer. A further offer of £90,000 was made and accepted on 4 July 2019.