We have been acting for a client (now aged 52) in connection with a personal injury claim arising from an accident occurring in the course of his employment in September 2019.

Our client was attending a management and leadership course as part of his employment. The accident occurred at a time when the client was attempting to walk across and complete a slackline challenge held on a suspended tightrope approximately 300mm off the ground.

The client was not wearing protective padding or any supporting structures to prevent his fall and fell directly onto a concrete floor striking his left hip and left elbow.

The client was taken to A&E where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the left neck of the femur. The client underwent surgery but as the fracture did not reduce by closed means underwent further surgery being an open reduction and fixation of the fracture with four partially threaded cancellous screws.

The client initially mobilised with the aid of physiotherapy and crutches and was discharged from hospital a few days after surgery.
The client started weightbearing in October 2019 and proceeded to full weightbearing at the end of November/December 2019 receiving ongoing physiotherapy.

By February of 2020, the client’s gait was indicative of abductor muscle dysfunction. He became fully weightbearing at this time and was able to return to work, initially on a part-time basis.

During lockdown the client was able to work full-time hours from home.

Although the client made a good recovery from what was a significant leg injury nonetheless medical expert opinion was to the effect that:-
a) He had sustained muscle wasting of the left thigh;
b) There was irritation of the screw heads likely requiring removal at some point in the future;
c) There was a risk of developing avascular necrosis for a period of up to two to five years from the date of the injury with a significant reduction in that risk after two years.

There was a recommendation that the client’s risk with regard to secondary fracture prevention be assessed with measurement of his bone mineral density with a DEXA scan. The client underwent a DEXA scan which did not reveal any abnormal results.

More than three years after the accident, the client’s risk of developing avascular necrosis has reduced significantly.

Liability for the accident was admitted by the client’s employer’s insurers and upon medical evidence being finalised negotiations followed which resulted in an agreed award of damages.

S J Edney solicitors obtained compensation of £40,000.00 for this client during 2022

Solicitor’s comment

This was a significant injury with initially, at least, an uncertain prognosis with the risk of the development of a serious condition of avascular necrosis. Fortunately, this risk did not/has not materialised and the client has achieved an extremely good recovery.

The amount awarded properly reflected the pain and suffering and loss of amenity experienced by the client as well as ensuring his out of pocket losses were also recovered.

If anyone suffers an injury at work, they should contact us for advice on whether they have a claim. We act for all our clients on a no win no fee basis.