Six-figure settlement secured following construction site accident that led to catastrophic injuries

The claimant was employed by the defendant contractor as a supervisor on a construction site where a six-storey commercial unit was being built in West London in October 2023. On the claimant’s first day at work, he oversaw an urgent delivery of glass panels, which were lifted to the third floor of the building by crane. He had not been furnished with adequate lifting equipment or appropriate training, nor had he been advised of the delivery before it arrived on site, by which time it was urgent.

On the third lift, there was a load imbalance, leading to the glass panels slipping from the pallet and falling on to the claimant. The claimant had seen the imbalance as the load was lifted and attempted to contact the crane driver by radio to stop the lift, but the radio was faulty and there were no other means to communicate with the operator. The operator, unaware of the issue, continued with the lift.

The claimant was crushed by the glass panels, causing severe fractures and lacerations to both legs.

The claimant was stabilised on site and rushed to the trauma unit at Paddington’s St Mary’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with fractures to both legs, his hip and hand. The lacerations and blood loss required emergency surgery, and he would subsequently undergo several further surgeries to stabilise his leg fractures with metalwork before being discharged home three weeks later.

The claimant lived alone at the time of the accident and was non-weight bearing in a wheelchair for six weeks following his discharge from hospital, immobile and effectively housebound. Carers attended the claimant at home for several weeks to assist with personal care and food preparation.

Unfortunately, the claimant developed PTSD and a depressive episode following the accident, with frequent flashbacks and nightmares, low mood, reduced motivation, and impaired concentration. His difficulties were exacerbated by his inability to resume work and engage with the outside world, having regularly gone to the gym and socialised with friends prior to the accident. He was lonely and isolated.

The claimant underwent a long journey of treatment and rehabilitation, as an outpatient in both the plastic surgery and orthopaedic departments. He had physiotherapy and learned to walk again in Spring 2024 but was unable to drive and had a limited walking tolerance.

Notwithstanding their remarkable recovery given the severity of their injuries which was achieved through a commitment to treatment and rehabilitation, there will be permanent residual symptoms which limits his ability to walk and stand in terms of both time and distance.

It is likely the claimant will develop osteoarthritis in his left knee and possibly left ankle, which may necessitate further surgeries including ankle fusion or replacement surgery, as well as further surgery to remove the metalwork from his pelvis in the future.

The defendant did not admit liability for the accident initially, though they were prepared to fund rehabilitation. RWK Goodman arranged an assessment of the claimant’s rehabilitative needs and used interim funds to appoint a case manager and put in place a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

As a result, they were able to undergo specialist physiotherapy, psychotherapy, orthopaedic consultations, access to private imaging, and access to a gym and personal trainer to engage in a personalised rehabilitative programme when he was able to do so.

Interim funds were also used in the initial phases of recovery to provide carers, cleaning services and a taxi account to ensure the claimant was able to attend medical appointments and therapy.

Stephanie Pelling pursued a claim for damages including loss of earnings, care, private treatment and rehabilitation, and future treatment. She worked with the claimant to obtain medical evidence from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and consultant psychiatrist.

The matter was settled in May 2025 for more than £500,000 following negotiations between the parties.

The claimant said; “RWK Goodman, and in particular Stephanie Pelling, was extremely helpful from the very beginning through to the end of my personal injury claim.

“They made a daunting process easy and less overwhelming by being supportive, understanding, and approachable during one of the most challenging times in my life.

“They also supported me with my wellbeing and recovery, giving me enormous support by connecting me with the right people and professionals I needed throughout my rehabilitation journey. Throughout my claim and rehabilitation journey, which lasted over a year, they were patient with me, communicated clearly, and updated me at every stage, with nothing ever too much for them.

“They even arranged a home visit just to accommodate my needs and ensure I was comfortable. All of the above, combined with their professionalism, made such a huge difference in what could have been a very difficult phase in my life.”