David*, who was in his late sixties, was an experienced tradesman who also carried out general labouring jobs in his later working life. When working on his most recent contract work, David was completing a range of tasks at a rental property in his home county.
As David was a ‘handyman’, his role was to help out in a variety of property maintenance jobs. Among many tasks, his employer tasked him with an outside job which involved working at height at the rental property where maintenance and renovation work was being carried out.
David's employers knew that he wasn’t qualified to work at height. However, they considered him capable and competent enough to carry out the task.
Despite David, and his colleagues that he was working with at the time, being very safety conscious David, unfortunately fell backwards off his ladder. David, fell 13 feet and was immediately rushed to hospital by ambulance.
The fall had caused catastrophic injuries for David, including a serious brain injury which led doctors to place David into a coma. The fall also caused multiple broken ribs and fractures to David’s spine, right shoulder bone and left collarbone.
Throughout his time in hospital David, received support from his family including his wife, Jean and his two children. But as time continued, David’s condition wasn’t improving.
After 17 days in an induced coma, it was becoming increasingly clear that there was little doctors could do. Jean and David's family then made the very tough decision to allow medical staff to turn off David’s life support machine.
Following her devastating loss, David’s wife, Jean*, contacted our specialist workplace accident lawyers Liz Whitehead, began supporting Jean and her family in their claim.
The company David was working for at the time knew he wasn’t qualified to carry out the work requested. Meaning, they were at fault for asking him to do so.
After carrying out liability investigations, it was clear they’d failed David in their duty of care. David’s previous employers should’ve employed a professional for the type of work being carried out.
Liz and her team were able to then get an admission from the employers. They admitted, they were at fault and that this lack of care led to the cause of David’s death.
Following this admission, Liz and her team were able to secure Jean and her family a six-figure compensation sum on David’s behalf. Liz and her team also helped the family access specialist support and therapy to manage the psychological impact of David’s death.
No amount of money is enough compensation for what David’s family have been through. But Jean and the rest of the family hope the settlement and admission will give some much-needed closure and financial security for the future.
Liz added, “What happened to David has caused a great deal of distress to Jean and the family who are all still struggling to come to terms with his death.
“All too often, we see the terrible aftermath of what can happen if health and safety standards are not followed. David’s family are keen to see lessons learned from this case, so others are not left to face the same devastation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, our solicitors could help you claim compensation. Call us on 0370 1500 100 for a free consultation.
*not actual names used
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