Head injury at work leads to £70,000 award

A woman who sustained head injuries in an accident at work has been awarded of almost £70,000.00 following a negotiated settlement to her claim.

The Claimant, who was employed as a full time sales assistant, suffered injuries when a ladder fell from behind her and hit her on the back of the head and neck. Although an initial CT scan did not reveal any significant injuries the Claimant was left with serious and deeply troubling symptoms including severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and sensitivity to bright light.

The Claimant remained unable to work from the accident in early 2012 until the summer of 2014. The Claimant has since returned to work on a part time basis.

Medical reports were obtained from a Consultant in Accident & Emergency Medicine and also from the Consultant Neurologist. A report was also obtained from a Consultant Psychiatrist. The Defendants admitted liability for the accident but thereafter obtained their own medical evidence.

The claim was concluded by negotiated settlement in October 2014 when the Claimant accepted a sum of just under £70,000.00 in full and final settlement of her claim.

Speaking of the settlement, Richard Wood of Harrowells' specialist CNCI team, said “This Claimant was the victim of an entirely preventable accident. She was left with ongoing serious symptoms which significantly affected her quality of life. We are pleased that she has learned to cope despite those symptoms and has now been able to return to work at least on a part time basis. This is a significant award that reflects the serious nature of the symptoms experienced by the Claimant and we are pleased to have been able to resolve the matter by negotiation.”