Penarth Unite member compensated after life-changing fall

A power station worker who suffered life-threatening injuries after falling more than 20 feet from a ladder has secured a six-figure settlement package.

The Penarth man was climbing down a ladder when he lost his grip and fell almost 21 feet, landing on a metal grate 60 feet from the ground.

Various emergency services attended to free him, including a mountain rescue team and the fire service, before he was taken to hospital.

He broke his back and damaged his pelvic joints and knee, with his knee requiring 50 stitches.

The Unite member has been in and out of hospital ever since for operations. He continues to suffer pain in his spine and lower back and can only walk and drive short distances. He has not been able to return to work.

“The pain when I landed on the grate was excruciating,” he said. “I couldn’t move and was trapped – it was terrifying. I don’t even want to think how bad this could have been if I had fallen any further.”

He turned to title="Unite">Unite Legal Services and contacted Thompsons Solicitors to make a serious injury compensation claim.

“My employer tried to say I was to blame, but I had filled out all of the health and safety information before I started work and made sure my boots were fit for purpose,” he said. “The issue wasn’t with me but with the faulty ladder. I was fortunate to have my union’s backing.

“Doctors have suggested I could have more surgical procedures but there’s no guarantee it’ll make things any better. I don’t think it’s worth it. I’ve had to accept I’m going to be in pain and will be limited in what I can do for the rest of my life.”

Gareth Jones, deputy regional secretary from Unite the union, added: “Alongside Thompsons Solicitors, we fought relentlessly to ensure our member was fairly compensated for his injuries. His employer’s insurer kept offering settlements that were lower than the sum we deemed appropriate so we had to use our expertise to come to an agreement that was suitable for our member.

“The compensation will allow him to pay for any future treatment he may need, and his family can have peace of mind that they will remain financially stable in the future.”