Man Set to Receive over £1 million after Skip Accident

Posted on Jul 02, 2009 
 

A man from Rhondda, Wales, is set to receive over £1 million in compensation after a fall into a skip at work left him with serious brain damage. 
 
57 year old grandfather Idris Smith has made a remarkable recovery after the 2004 accident but is not the man he used to be and has episodes of verbal aggression and also suffers with reduced concentration, poor memory, mood changes and low tolerance. It was also said at court that he has little insight into his condition and needs significant support to get on with his daily life.  
 
The accident happened in August 2004 when Mr Smith was working as a truck driver and factory operator for L C Window Fashions Ltd.  
 
The insurance company of Mr Smith's employer had admitted liability for Mr Smith's accident but disputed the amount of compensation which was being awarded for future earnings, accommodation and the degree of care management that was required by Mr Smith.  
 
At London's High Court, the judge, Mr Justice Cranston, ruled that Mr Smith was entitled to the full amount of lost earnings which he would have been paid up to the age of 65, and also allowed the full amount for the cost of moving to more suitable accommodation and for support worker and case management hours.  
 
Stewarts Law, the firm representing Mr Smith, confirmed that both sides had now come to an agreement over compensation and that it would total more than £1 million. Mr Smith's solicitor, Clare Salmon said that this sum was needed for Mr Smith's care and: "Without such support, Idris and his wife would have little quality of life and it would place a huge strain upon their relationship. Instead they are now able to plan for their future with Idris motivated and engaged in community life."