Personal Injury Solicitors

A forklift driver has been awarded a six figure payout after an accident at work resulted in his hand being crushed and subsequently amputated.

Colin Smith, aged 50, was working for Hawthorn Timber Ltd. near Hull docks when he was involved in an accident. The fingers on his left hand were crushed when they became trapped between a metal trolley and the track it was running on. The accident was caused by faulty equipment that was left in a dangerous condition. Hawthorn Timber accepted liability immediately.
The settlement was made out-of-court after three-and-a-half years of negotiations between Colin Smith’s personal injury solicitor and Hawthorn Timber Limited.

The accident resulted in a condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which is a form of chronic pain caused by chronic systemic disease. It causes swelling and extreme pain in the affected area, and essentially debilitates the limbs or joints that it is affecting.

Complex regional pain syndrome is unusual because it can actually spread throughout the body over time. In Colin Smith’s case the pain has become permanent; he suffers from chronic pain for which there is no known cure.

Complex regional pain syndrome is still a very poorly understood condition. It causes chronic burning pain in a limb, which is often so severe that it prevents normal function. Complex regional pain syndrome can develop following minor injuries, although in Colin Smith’s case the crushing injury was severe. Usually the skin becomes extremely sensitive too, with the slightest touch or a change in temperature resulting in the burning pain sensation. It is likely to be caused by nerve damage. While some cases cure themselves after a few weeks or months, others can take years before the pain goes away.

Following the announcement of the payout Colin Smith said: "It's like a weight lifted off our shoulders, having the case finally settled. Although there are still some doubts about the long-term medical problem, we can finally get our family life back on track.

"It has been a terrible ordeal for the family. My wife Kerry had to take on extra hours at the hospital to support us, but our solicitors were a godsend. They supported the whole family and helped us get interim payments so we could survive."
Such an accident as this has long-term effects on a person, not only on their income but also on their physical and emotional health. Loss of work and a reduction or loss of a limb can lead to depression and anxiety issues, which are made worse by a loss of income. Colin Smith’s personal injury solicitor described the event as being very traumatic.

Leanne Foston from Bridge McFarland said: “Not only is he in constant pain from the injuries, his ability to work in the future is severely curtailed.”

If you have received an injury at work that is preventing your return to work you may be eligible for compensation. Duncan Lewis’ team of lawyers are able to advise and assist you.