15.10.2012

Injury Expert Says Case Highlights Importance Of Safe Working Practices

A dad left unable to find a job in his trade after he dislocated and severed the muscles in his shoulder following a fall at work is calling for a greater focus on safety in the workplace after he was awarded a four-figure settlement.

Nicolas Ludick, from Kingston-Upon-Thames in Surrey, was working as a Yard Manager for stone supplying company Rock Unique Ltd in June 2009, when he was asked to check whether some stone slabs were in stock by the sales team on behalf of a customer.

He had to climb a stack of crates in the bulk yard in Sevenoaks, Kent, which was standard working practice, but a crate gave way beneath his left hand and caused him to fall around two meters to the ground, dislocating his left shoulder and severing tendons.

Nicolas, who still has limited movement in his arm, turned to specialist workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who have secured the 62-year-old £8,000 in an out-of-court settlement for his pain and suffering and say his case highlights the importance of safety at work.

He lost his job due to the pain and discomfort of his injury slowing him down and still has no strength in his shoulder, struggles with driving distances and maintaining an active lifestyle because of ongoing pain and problems.

Kerry Hadley, a specialist in work accidents claims at law firm Irwin Mitchell representing him, said: “Nicolas suffered nasty injuries that still have an effect on his day-to-day life over three years after the fall.

“His case is a prime example of the importance of employers implementing safe systems for workers to carry out their job. Climbing stacked crates to check stock is definitely not ideal working practice.

“He had to give up his career because of the reduced movement in his arm. He also used to be a regular at the gym but he has had to quit his active lifestyle because of his injuries.”

Nicolas has had numerous physiotherapy sessions but is now looking at having steroid injections to ease his pain, discomfort and limited movement because his condition has not improved.

He said: “I still find it hard to come to terms with the fact that my life has changed so significantly since the fall.

“I was in absolute agony with my shoulder when I fell from the crates and knew it must be badly damaged but I never imagined it would still cause my pain and problems this far on.

 “I found simple tasks hard, like putting on my coat, pushing a trolley or cleaning. As well as being in a lot of pain it was really frustrating not being able to do the little things that people do every day.

“I used to love going to the gym, running and swimming but I now can’t enjoy any of those things because I just have no real strength in my shoulder.

“I’m pleased the matter has now been settled so I can begin to move on with my life but I hope my story reminds businesses about the importance of safety so no one else has to suffer like I have.”

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident at work, our personal injury solicitors could help you make a No Win No Fee compensation claim. Visit our Accident & Injury At Work Claims page for more details.