Family Instructs Irwin Mitchell To Secure Funds For Specialist Rehabilitation

A labourer is using Action for Brain Injury Week to speak for the first time of his battle to overcome serious injuries he suffered when a scaffolding bin fell on his head at work.

Lenny Jarrett, 21, suffered a number of injuries including a bleed on the brain and facial fractures, when the industrial-sized bin containing scaffolding joints toppled off a forklift truck, striking him on the head.

Lenny, of Hockley, Essex, now experiences difficulties with mobility, fatigue, memory, speech and sight as well as psychological and behavioural problems following the incident last October. He is also deaf in his left ear and has been forced to postpone his ambition of becoming an army engineer.

Following the incident he instructed expert workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation he needs.

Lenny’s employer Rotamead Scaffolding has admitted liability for his injuries. Irwin Mitchell is now in legal discussions with the Rotamead’s insurers over funding the rehabilitation and therapies Lenny needs to overcome his injuries the best he can.

Expert Opinion

While many people with a brain injury may no longer show any physical signs after their initial recovery the effects can last for many years.

“Lenny faces major challenges because of his injuries. He is receiving significant care and assistance from his mum and dad whilst an independent occupational therapy assessment has identified that he requires specialist therapies to boost his recovery.

“It’s now important that Lenny’s case is progressed with the utmost urgency, allowing him to access the funds to cover the cost of therapies and treatment he needs to overcome his injuries the best he can.” Natasha Fairs - Senior Associate Solicitor

Lenny lives with parents Glen and Joanne, 50 and 54, and 15-year-old sister Connie.

He was working at Rotamead’s yard in Battlesbridge when the incident happened on 9 October, 2017.

Lenny, who had passed fitness tests to join The Army two weeks previously, was taken to Basildon Hospital and later transferred to Queens’s Hospital for surgery to stop the bleed on his brain.

The former Seevic College student attempted to return to work with the Rotamead Scaffolding but due to his ongoing difficulties he has been signed off by his GP whilst he seeks further referrals for specialise treatment.

Recalling the incident, he said: “One minute I was stood sorting scaffolding clips and the next thing I remember I was on the ground.

“I remember lying on the ground waiting for the ambulance and being in agony. It felt like someone had my head in a vice.”

He added: “Before the accident, I was fit and healthy. I wanted to join The Army so I was running every day and spent a lot of spare time working on my Mazda MX 5.

“Now I’m anxious. I suffer with flashbacks and get frustrated that I can’t do many of the things like going out with my friends or girlfriend that I took for granted.

“It is difficult not knowing what the future holds but I’m trying not to think about it too much. I’m young and so I’m trying to stay focused on my recovery.”

Joanne, who has had to reduce her crafts business to help look after Lenny, added: “Before the accident, Lenny was completely independent. I might have cooked him the odd meal and done some of his laundry but otherwise he looked after himself.  He lived his own life and came and went as he pleased.

“However, now he spends almost all of his time in the house and relies on others to help look after him which leads to him getting frustrated.

“We are glad that Rotamead has accepted liability for Lenny’s injuries but he really needs intensive rehabilitation to continue his recovery. We feel that the specialist help would really make a huge difference to our family.”

Action For Brain Injury campaign week organised by Headway, runs from 14 to 20 May. The week focuses on the ripple effect of how brain injury not only affects the individual, but also their family and friends.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling workplace injury cases.