Welder Receives £100,000 for Serious Hand Injury

A welder has received a £100,000 out of court settlement in compensation for a work accident which resulted in the amputation of his middle finger. Donald Ford was working for Langley Holdings Plc. as a welder when the accident occurred. He had been using an oxyacetylene torch to cut a steel barrel when it suddenly snapped shut, trapping his thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

 

After Mr Ford was rushed to hospital, it was discovered that he had serious fractures in all of the affected fingers. Unfortunately, his middle finger was so severely damaged that it had to be amputated at the knuckle. The injury has also caused a permanent loss of grip strength in his left hand and he suffers from flashbacks to the day of the injury.

 

The accident has affected Mr Ford's home and work life. He lost his job after the accident and has also been unable to take part in his hobbies of gardening, scuba diving and motorcycling.

 

Because of the time he has had to take off work, Mr Ford has lost £40,000 in earnings. His future earnings capacity and his pension scheme have also been affected by the accident.

 

Employers have a duty to put in place the correct health and safety procedures to reduce the risks of accidents occurring. If they fail in this duty, employees who have been injured as a result may be entitled to compensation.