At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we recently helped a manufacturing worker secure more than £17,000 in compensation after he suffered a serious hand injury in a workplace accident involving industrial machinery.
Accidents at work can have a lasting impact, particularly when they involve machinery. In this case, our client’s injury resulted in surgery, months of recovery and time away from work, all of which could have been avoided had appropriate safety procedures been in place.
The Workplace Accident
Our client was operating a take-off mill as part of the manufacturing process when the accident occurred.
While clearing rubber from the machine, his left index finger became trapped by one of the machine’s knives, causing a serious injury.
Our investigations found that there was no clear or safe system in place for cleaning the machinery. Employees had not been provided with a formal cleaning procedure, written safety instructions or adequate guidance on how to carry out the task safely.
Following the accident, the employer changed its procedures so that the machine is now switched off before cleaning takes place, significantly reducing the risk of similar accidents in the future.
The Injuries Sustained
The accident caused serious injuries to our client’s non-dominant hand, including:
- An open fracture to his left index finger
- Significant soft tissue damage
- Ongoing pain and reduced function during recovery
To repair the injury, our client underwent surgery followed by a further procedure and a course of hand therapy. Unfortunately, he also experienced complications after surgery, requiring additional medical treatment.
How the Injury Affected Everyday Life
The impact of the accident extended well beyond the workplace.
Our client was unable to return to work for around two months, resulting in a loss of earnings. He also incurred additional travel expenses while attending hospital appointments and rehabilitation sessions.
During his recovery, everyday tasks became difficult. He required assistance with washing and dressing, preparing meals, walking the dog and carrying out household and garden jobs that he would normally have completed independently.
These practical difficulties formed an important part of the compensation claim, helping to demonstrate the wider impact the injury had on his daily life.
How We Helped
To build the strongest possible accident at work claim, we carried out a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
We obtained evidence including:
- CCTV footage
- Witness statements
- Training records
- Risk assessments
- Information about the employer’s working practices
This evidence enabled us to demonstrate that appropriate safety measures and procedures had not been in place at the time of the accident.
Our personal injury solicitors also gathered medical evidence and calculated our client’s financial losses, including his loss of earnings and additional expenses incurred during recovery.
The Outcome
Following negotiations, we successfully secured £17,001.43 in compensation for our client.
The settlement reflected not only the pain and suffering caused by the injury, but also the financial losses and the impact the accident had on his everyday life while he recovered.
Injured at Work?
If you’ve been injured at work because your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may be entitled to make an accident at work compensation claim.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced personal injury solicitors help employees who have been injured in factories, warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities and other workplaces. We understand how workplace accidents can affect your health, finances and future, and we’re here to guide you through the claims process with clear, practical advice.
To speak to one of our specialist accident at work solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no-obligation discussion about your circumstances.
