Stockton Man Who Had Right Leg Amputated After Being Knocked Down At Work Reveals Life-Changing Impact of Injuries

A plant worker seriously injured when he was knocked down at work has revealed his determination to regain more independence after lawyers secured him funds to access specialist rehabilitation.

Shaun McCarthy was working at a furniture supplier in Thornaby when he was hit by a forklift truck which ran over his legs.

The 54-year-old was taken to James Cook University Hospital, a major trauma centre with severe injuries, including fractures and degloving injuries – where skin was ripped from his legs. He required an above‑knee amputation of his right leg. 

Shaun, of Stockton-on-Tees, was left unable to work, and was confined to sleeping in the living room of his home and using a wheelchair. He was introduced to expert workplace accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell by Day One Trauma Support, a UK charity providing emotional and practical support to people affected by major trauma and life-changing injuries. 

Shaun is now using Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to speak for the first time about the impact his injuries have had.

Following the incident, which happened in May 2025, Shaun spent more than four weeks in hospital. Irwin Mitchell has secured significant funding through interim payments to provide financial support to Shaun. While his claim is ongoing, the money is being used to fund early access to specialist rehabilitation and purchase an accessible home for him. 

As part of his recovery Shaun has been attending STEPS Rehabilitation in Sheffield since October 2025. He has also had a bespoke prosthetic leg and specialist prosthetic support, case management, therapies and equipment to help him in his recovery. 

Due to Shaun’s injuries, he requires accessible accommodation meaning he and, his wife, Joanne, and their daughter are having to leave their family home of 26 years. An accessible home is being purchased more suited to his needs.

Shaun, said: “The day of the incident turned my life upside down. I went to work as normal and everything changed in a heartbeat. 

“Before the incident, I loved being outdoors and active. Joanne and I enjoyed meals out at local pubs and restaurants, and I loved taking the kids and grandkids on little trips. We were the kind of family who liked to explore new places or jump on a train for a spontaneous day out. We’d booked a holiday to Turkey, but that’s now on hold because of my injuries. 

“My life has massively changed. I try not to dwell on things, and I want to stay positive for my children and grandchildren, but some days are hard. I still get pain, with phantom limb pain in my right leg, and the injuries to my left leg cause problems too. I have recently had to have another operation on my left leg which has been a setback, but I am pleased to be back at STEPS getting stuck into rehabilitation again.

“My family have been very supportive since my injuries, in particular Joanne. All of this has been incredibly hard on Joanne, but she’s been my rock throughout it all. She’s cared for me, helped me attend medical or rehab appointments, and made sure I had what I needed to keep going and focus on my recovery. I can’t put into words how much she means to me, and I don’t know how I would have coped without her. 

“I know I still have a long way to go but I’m determined to regain more of my independence. I just hope that by sharing my story that others going through a similar situation don’t feel they have to face it alone as help and support is out there. I can’t thank Day One Trauma Support and Irwin Mitchell enough for everything they have done to help us”.

 Alan Ball, a specialist workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Shaun, said: “Shaun suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision that will affect him and his family for the rest of their lives. 

“Understandably the last 10 months and trying to come to terms with the physical and emotional impact of what happened has been incredibly difficult for him. Since the day I met Shaun, his positive attitude and determination to work hard in therapy to regain as much independence as possible has been a privilege to witness. He has been a credit to himself in continuing to push forward and make the best of his situation. 

“Whilst nothing can ever make up for what he’s been through, we’re pleased to have been able to help Shaun get early access to the specialist rehabilitation he requires which is key in helping him make the best recovery possible.”

Sue Hodgson, head of hospital services at Day One Trauma Support, said: “Shaun’s story highlights just how suddenly a serious injury can change lives, and the long, often complicated road to recovery that so many people face. 

“At Day One, we see first-hand how important early access to support is in helping people navigate life after injury. We’re so glad that Shaun is making such positive progress and are pleased to have been able to play a part in his recovery journey alongside Irwin Mitchell. 

“No one should have to rebuild life on their own after serious injury, so it is brilliant to see Shaun using his lived experience to raise awareness and help others this Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.” 

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month is an annual campaign dedicated to highlighting how those affected by such conditions are helping to rebuild their lives.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following the loss of a limb at our dedicated amputation claims section.