Workplace accidents can have devastating consequences, both physically and mentally, as experienced by Mr Griggs in January 2021. Following a long and arduous recovery process after an unfortunate accident at work, Mr. Griggs has now reached a settlement of £50,000 with his employer, Daybridge Limited t/a TM Transport.

Despite the denial of liability and the commencement of court proceedings, an out-of-court agreement was eventually reached, bringing some closure to a painful chapter in his life.

The accident

On 3 January 2021, Mr Griggs was performing a routine task as part of his job. He was pulling the curtain from the back to the front of a forty-foot trailer, a task he had performed countless times before. As he grasped the front pole and walked backward at a forty-five-degree angle to pull the curtain, it suddenly jammed. Unable to maintain his grip, Mr Griggs lost his balance and fell hard onto his right side.

Mr Griggs tried to get up, but the severe pain in his right hip made it impossible. A colleague, seeing him in distress, came to help, but it quickly became apparent that the injury was serious. An ambulance was called and arrived within twenty minutes, after which he was rushed to George Elliot Hospital in Nuneaton. X-rays confirmed a comminuted intertrochanteric fracture in the right hip—a severe break located at the expanded portion of the femur, just below the neck, where several muscles attach. Mr. Griggs was told that he'd need surgery to stabilise the fracture with plates and screws.

The physical and mental impact

The surgery was carried out the following morning, and although it was successful, Mr Griggs' recovery was far from easy. He spent several days in the hospital, initially struggling with dizziness. When he was finally discharged, he had to use a Zimmer frame to get around, bearing as much weight as he could on his injured leg.

For months, Mr Griggs faced severe pain in his hip, coupled with discomfort in the surrounding muscles. The injury had a profound impact on his daily life. He was unable to use the stairs in his home, confining him to the downstairs area for almost four months. Simple tasks, such as getting on and off the sofa or walking to the toilet, became monumental challenges, all done with the aid of his Zimmer frame.

However, the mental toll of the accident was equally, if not more, debilitating. Mr Griggs described the psychological impact as akin to a bereavement, grappling with the stark contrast between his pre-accident physical condition and his post-accident limitations. Once fit and healthy, the accident left him immobilised and dependent on others, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and a deep sense of loss. The pain and sleep disturbances made the nights unbearable, and he often found himself awake, worrying about his future.

During a medical examination, Mr. Griggs became visibly upset when discussing the psychological effects of the accident, emphasising how difficult it was to adjust to life after the injury. He went from being fully mobile and active to "pushing around a Zimmer frame," a reality that weighed heavily on him emotionally.

The legal process and settlement

Following the accident, Mr Griggs sought legal recourse against his employer. Despite the company's denial of liability, legal proceedings were initiated, and Mr Griggs' claim was pursued through the courts. After lengthy negotiations, the parties reached an out-of-court settlement.

Although the settlement can’t undo the physical and emotional suffering Mr Griggs has endured, it does offer some compensation for the hardship caused by the accident. The outcome also highlights the importance of holding employers accountable for the safety of their workers, even when liability is initially denied.

Moving forward

While the settlement offers some relief, Mr Griggs’ journey is far from over. The physical pain may gradually subside, but the psychological impact may take longer to heal. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how a single moment can drastically alter a person’s life and the profound effects an accident can have on both the body and mind.

For many workers like Mr Griggs, who perform physically demanding tasks, workplace safety is paramount. Employers must ensure that all safety protocols are followed, and workers must feel protected in their environments. This case underscores the need for vigilance in accident prevention, as well as the importance of providing support to workers who suffer life-altering injuries on the job.

Conclusion

The £50,000 settlement may mark the end of Mr Griggs’ legal battle, but it also stands as a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. His story sheds light on the complex and often painful aftermath of workplace accidents, emphasising the physical, mental, and legal challenges that can arise.

As Mr Griggs moves forward, his determination to recover, both physically and emotionally, will undoubtedly inspire others facing similar hardships. We sincerely thank Mr Griggs for allowing us to share his story.

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, have a no obligation chat with our specialist legal team and let’s see how we can help you too. Call 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com