A boat worker from Plymouth who fell through the floor of a vessel he was working on and plummeted 30 feet onto a marble floor has been launched his claim compensation of up to £100,000.
Stephen White, aged 48, was working aboard a boat as a loomist when the floor gave way and he fell onto the floor below.
Mr White, from Lalebrick Road, Hope, is claiming damages from his employers Princess Yachts international PLC, of Newport Street, Plymouth.
The writ says that the accident happened on April 30, 2009 at the company’s premises in Langage.
Although insurers for Princess Yachts admitted full liability for Stephens’s injuries, the two sides are unable to agree how much compensation he should receive.
Stephen was reaching across the left hand console to replace connectors on a boat, when the floor of the console gave way, allowing him to plummet to the floor beneath. Mr White brands the company as negligent and in breach of statutory duty and says this led to the accident.
He fractured a vertebra in the fall, and later needed surgery. He has been referred to a pain clinic, as he continues to suffer constant pain, for which he needs a cocktail of painkillers. Mr White continued by saying that he is incapable of carrying out everyday tasks without help, and he has been unable to work since the accident.
Although not confirmed, indications are that lawyers value Stephen’s claim, if successful, at up to £100,000.
