51-year-old Eddie Hopcroft won his most recent accident claim and received an undisclosed fee following a back injury suffered while unloading a trailer. It is the third time he has made a compensation claim and they have all been against different employers.
His latest claim was made against Thatcham-based supply chain firm Gist and the work accident happened as Mr Hopcroft loaded metal cages on to an internal lift in a double decker trailer. According to his solicitor, previous employees had not loaded the trailer properly, putting undue pressure on the internal lift and so causing a safety bar to collapse and hit Eddie across the back.
His solicitor, Colin Bridgman, said, "The case was complicated as both liability and quantum issues had to be proven, but liability was clear after two independent witnesses gave evidence that the employer had been warned of the fault after similar accidents occurred but had taken no action."
Following his award of personal injury compensation, Mr Hopcroft told reporters, "I am glad the case is settled now, and I was compensated for my injury."
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
