Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 2 March April

Record payout for accident victim

A warehouseman who sustained life-threatening injuries has been awarded substantial damages in a record breaking settlement negotiated as part of Usdaw’s Legal Plus service.

The accident happened at a large industrial unit in Cheshire in 1999. The member was hit on the head by a wooden door which had fallen 30 feet after it had been dislodged by a forklift truck.

He suffered extremely serious head injuries and associated trauma. His wife had to give up work to look after him.

Although the member has been through a painstaking medical recovery and a long rehabilitation process, he will never fully recover from the serious brain damage.

The 39 year-old is unable to return to work and will need looking after for the rest of his life. The company did not contest the claim and, following extensive medical examinations and reports, the case was settled late last year.

The member's wife takes up the story below.

Talent for painting uncovered after life-changing incident

My husband is now much better and is getting on with his life. A new chapter has opened for him and he has discovered that he is a talented artist.

He attended a local rehabilitation centre for people with head injuries and part of the programme involved arts and crafts.

He went on to attend another art course which he really enjoyed.

He has gained a great deal of pleasure from looking at the world around him from a different perspective, while also giving his confidence a boost.

We have lots of his artwork dotted around the house which is a constant reminder to all the family of how far he has come in his recovery.

We are all very proud of his paintings.

General Secretary John Hannett paid tribute to the injured member and his family.

"I cannot begin to imagine what our member and his family have been through. I am pleased Usdaw could play its part in representing him and his family.

"I am encouraged that his rehabilitation programme has gone well and everyone in Usdaw wishes him and his family all the best for the future."

For information on Usdaw's Legal Plus service visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/member_services/legal_services/

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