A man who suffered a broken leg in a workplace accident has agreed a £17,500 compensation settlement.

The man was using overhead lifting gear to turn over a metal plate weighing approximately one and a half tonnes when the accident occurred. He was working in a confined space and it was difficult to keep control of the plate as it was being manoeuvred into position. The plate accidentally swung towards him, striking his leg and knocking him over.

His leg was badly broken and he had to undergo surgery in order to repair the damage. He was off work for many weeks while recovering from the injury, during which time he had to use a wheelchair and crutches.

Although the man was eventually able to return to work, he has been left with permanent scarring and ongoing problems as a result of the accident.

The man’s employer had not provided him with any training in the use of the overhead crane, nor had a risk assessment been carried out for the task. He believed his accident could have been prevented, and commenced a personal injury claim against his employer.

The company initially made an offer of compensation, but this was rejected as not being commensurate with the seriousness of the man’s injury. After court proceedings were begun, however, a settlement of £17,500 in compensation was agreed.

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