Roof trusses fall on HGV driver causing below knee amputation

Mr W was an HGV Driver delivering roof trusses (weighing 2/3 ton) to a building site. As he was waiting for a forklift truck to unload the trusses from his lorry, the trusses fell, hitting him on the back of the head and then landing on top of him, trapping him underneath.

As a result, the Claimant suffered a severe traumatic crush injury to his left lower leg. He remained conscious throughout and suffered agonising pain.

Unfortunately it was not possible to save his foot and an amputation through the tibia was carried out. He was psychologically distressed by the amputation, was unable to return to work and even with a prosthesis, was unable to walk very far.

The claim was settled for £480,000. The legal costs were paid by the defendant.


Pillion rider suffers above knee amputation

Master O was a pillion passenger on a motor cycle that was struck heavily by a car in the rear as it exited a triple carriageway slip road from a service station. He was thrown off the cycle and hit by following traffic in the carriageway. The car driver was using a mobile phone.

He suffered such destruction to his left leg that it necessitated above the knee amputation of that leg the following day.

He also suffered such shockingly severe injuries to his right leg that a further amputation was seriously considered and will be necessary in time.

He suffered other fractures and internal injuries, multiple scalp and facial lacerations and post-operative septicaemia, together with severe traumatic and other psychological injury.

His right leg required continued treatment and produced a great deal of constant pain. Eventually an ankle fusion operation was required. Knee surgery would be required within 5 years.

He required extensive case management and care from both his parents and employed carers for a significant period as he struggled to cope with such devastating injuries.

He was determined to pursue the career he was committed to before the accident and this involved substantial additional accommodation expenses given his lack of mobility.

The claim was settled for £2,100,000. The legal costs were paid by the defendant.