Damages Awarded After Claimant Fell From Ladder

Our client was a 59, former Bridgnorth District Council employee, who recovered significant damages in an out of court settlement of his Serious Inury Claim following a battle with his former employers.

The claimant fractured his neck after falling from a ladder whilst spraying a wasp’s nest through a long lance and wearing a full beekeeper’s suit. His employment was terminated and he successfully claimed unfair dismissal.

He claimed that following an initial inspection of the nest; he had indicated to his employer that it was a two man job. He claimed the Council insisted he carry out the job, with the owner of the house footing the ladder, rather than a Council employee. Independent engineering experts agreed that a small access tower could have been used rather than a ladder. No such tower was provided and it was agreed it would have cost the Council less than £100 and taken the claimant less than five minutes to erect.