A Positive Settlement following a Workplace Accident

Our client George was working on a construction site in London and on the date of the accident was putting a pipe into brickwork. He was using a jackhammer chisel and a club hammer, (having not been provided with more suitable equipment,) to break through the surface of a manhole. As George was working, a sliver of metal broke off from the handle of the chisel and struck him in the eye causing a severe injury.

George contacted Irvings Law and we started his claim for personal injury, loss and damage. We sent him to an Ophthalmic Surgeon for a consultation and assessment of his seriously injured left eye. Due to the extensive damage from the metal, George had to undergo a number of surgical procedures. Unfortunately he still suffered from reduced sight in the left eye and ‘glare’ particularly when driving at night. He has to wear a hard contact lens and this has meant he is unable to tolerate working in dusty environments, as if dust gets behind his contact lenses it irritates the injured eye. Due to the accident and the injuries sustained, George was prejudiced on the open labour market.

An offer was made by the defendants in relation to liability but we did not agree with it and court proceedings were issued. This offer was then increased and a settlement of £90,000 was reached. Unfortunately we cannot return eyesight to its original state, but we can help our clients to get the treatment and rehabilitation they need. We are driven to achieve the best possible outcome so clients can move forward with their lives after a serious injury, like George has been able to.

Sinead Woods
Associate, Irvings Law