A man who suffered permanent injury to his shoulder when he fell through an opening in a mezzanine floor has obtained damages from his employer.
The man had been cleaning the booth of a crushing machine, used to loosen large amounts of waste material, and was exiting the pit in which it was located via a ladder. He tripped over the hose of an industrial hoover and fell through an open section of the mezzanine floor above the pit. He sustained injuries to his head, shoulder and leg.
He underwent several surgeries and physiotherapy, but continues to experience pain and reduced movement in his shoulder and arm. He will not recover enough strength in his shoulder to return to his former employment. His injuries have also affected his home life: he cannot lift heavy objects or put things on high shelves, and he finds it difficult to get up after playing on the floor with his granddaughter.
After he brought a claim, his employer admitted liability and a £270,000 settlement was successfully negotiated. The damages reflect the reduction in his earnings following the accident as well as his treatment needs.