Man awarded £1,250,000 after his foot was crushed by a lorry

01/07/2011

Man awarded £1,250,000 after his foot was crushed by a lorry

A man whose foot was crushed by an articulated lorry as he tried to help a fellow motorist has been awarded £1,250,000 compensation.

The incident happened as the man stopped to help a motorist whose car had broken down. As he helped to push the car off the road, a lorry ran over his foot, crushing it instantly.

The lorry was being driven by an employee of the motorist whose car had broken down.

The injured man had to have four toes and part of his foot amputated. He had to regularly use crutches. The strain of doing so meant he developed a tendon injury in his left hand and had to undergo surgery.

Regular use of the crutches also exacerbated a pre-existing knee injury which caused him further pain.

He had worked as swimming coach before the accident. His injuries meant he was at a considerable disadvantage in the jobs market and he was unlikely to get work as a coach again.

He took legal action against the motorist on the basis that he was the employer of the lorry driver. The victim alleged that the lorry driver was negligent in carrying out a manoeuvre that was obviously dangerous, failing to give sufficient warning of his approach, and failing to brake or steer away to avoid a collision.

Liability was disputed but was decided in court in the victim’s favour. However, 20% was deducted for contributory negligence.

He was awarded £1,250,000 compensation.

Anyone who is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence is entitled to claim compensation.

Please contact us if you would like more information about making a personal injury claim.