A client (aged 42) was working for a chemical company in London as an HGV driver. He drove his articulated vehicle with a trailer to the premises of one of their customers. He parked in a yard and then set about discharging chemicals from large cylinders on the rear of his trailer. An airline had to be connected to the top of each cylinder and, in order to attach this airline, he had to climb onto the top of the trailer. As he climbed up the guard rail at the side of the trailer, he slipped and fell, striking both his knees. The more serious injury was to his left knee and the accident exacerbated a pre-existing condition which took him over a year to recover from.
In our view, this was an unsafe work practice. This was a difficult case as the insurers of his employer initially disputed liability and there was then an argument on quantum. As a consequence, we had to issue proceedings at Swindon County Court. We were eventually able to settle his claim.
S. J. Edney solicitors obtained compensation of £15,500 for this client in 2010