Securicor Employee Awarded £32,000

A former Securicor employee has been awarded damages of £32,250 in compensation for injuries he suffered in a van accident at work. Vishal Gopaul, 32, who worked in Securicor's cash services department, was a passenger in the vehicle when the accident occurred. The driver lost control at a mini roundabout causing the van to roll onto its side. Mr Gopaul's back and left shoulder were injured, affecting his ability to work.

 

After the accident, Mr Gopaul was unable to use his left arm for heavy lifting and had a trapped nerve, causing him constant pain. Because of this he found it difficult to carry on in his former job. He applied internally to become a surveillance driver – a position which did not involve lifting – but was told he would be a health and safety risk. In early 2006, nearly two years after the accident, Mr Gopaul's employment was terminated because of ill health.

 

Since that time, Mr Gopaul has continued to try to find work. He applied for positions as a valeter, a data entry clerk and a store operative, as well as paying to retrain. He brought a claim against his former employers and was awarded compensation for his physical injuries and his considerable loss of earnings.