Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 4 Autumn Arena

Put your trust in Legal Plus

Legal Plus won financial security for club steward Rodney Wright who was awarded £66,000 in compensation after a near fatal accident left him with serious head injuries.

'I had a first class service'63 year-old Rodney from Southport, Merseyside

The 63 year-old from Southport, Merseyside, was hit by a car in 2003 outside the Old Links Golf Club as he stepped out of the kitchen door at the side of the building. Rodney sustained a fractured skull and cheekbone as well as swelling and bleeding on the brain. He spent 13 days in intensive care.

"It was a very traumatic and worrying time for me and my family," he said. "My wife had to contact the union on my behalf because basically I was in no fit state to deal with anything.

"I had a first-class service. My solicitors were fantastic; they took care of everything, it was a great relief. I will always have problems associated with the accident, but thanks to Usdaw I now have some financial security for my family and me.

"My advice to every worker, no matter where you work, is to join the union, it's money well spent. You never know when you'll need help and advice and it's just a phone call away.

"My union membership proved invaluable. The outcome could have been so different if it hadn't been for Usdaw's backing."

'It couldn't have been easier' Sharon is a 59 year-old cashier from Cumbria

The accident happened in 2003 at the Safeway store in Penrith, Cumbria. "I fell heavily and my right shoulder took the impact," said the 59 year-old.

"I was in severe pain, but carried on working. Within no time my arm had seized up and I could hardly move it. I went to my GP who sent me to a specialist. He told me that I'd torn the ligaments in my arm and would need an operation."

Sharon spoke to her union rep and he advised her to make a claim through the Legal Plus scheme. "I had a full professional service from start to finish.

"I couldn't believe it, solicitors fees, private consultants, travelling costs, everything was paid for and all for the price of my weekly subs.

"It couldn't have been easier. Having the union deal with my claim helped to take the pain away and gave me real peace of mind at a time when I needed it most.

"Take it from me, accidents do happen and if you're not in the union you won't have a leg to stand on."

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