Man wins £7.2m accident at work claim

A man who suffered a brain injury while at work has won £7.2 million compensation, showing the importance of hiring accident lawyers for such cases.

Kevin Cleightonhills was employed at the Bembridge Outboards Ltd boat yard on the Isle of Wight when the incident happened in September 2006, those seeking accident advice have been told.

The boat hand, who was 21 at the time, fell as far as 15 feet after a metal gantry collapsed beneath him. Although he landed on his feet, he was struck by metal work that had fallen from above on his head.

Mr Cleightonhills was initially given a five per cent chance of survival but is now living in his own home after months of rehabilitation, although requires support.

Henry Charles, the company's counsel, described the "accident" as awful and said the firm regretted the incident.

In addition, in a recent case a man who was left paralysed after being crushed under a reel of paper at work has received compensation. SCA Hygiene Products UK was fined £120,000 for the incident involving worker Christopher Shaw.

Published by Hannah Carr