M R Law has successfully recovered substantial damages upon behalf of a self-employed man who suffered serious injuries whilst at work.

The injured man owned his own company, operating cranes for lifting and moving heavy items. He had been contacted by builders to assist with the unloading of large roof struts used in the construction of houses. A separate transportation company was delivering the struts to the builders operating at the construction site.

All the parties involved had agreed on the procedure for unloading the struts. However, whilst in the process of unloading, one or a combination of the parties involved had failed to follow the agreed procedure, causing the large roof struts to fall like dominoes from the back of the transportation vehicle, landing on the man’s shoulder causing him serious and ongoing injuries.

Despite him trying to continue to run his own company following the accident, due to his ongoing injuries the man eventually had no option but to cease working, causing him and his family severe financial hardship.

He therefore pursued a claim against the insurers of those involved with the unloading of the roof struts.

A self-employed individual, a contractor or even a temporary worker has the same rights to pursue a personal injury claim as somebody in permanent employment. ~Ann Mahoney

Ann Mahoney, head of Personal Injury at M R Law comments:

“This was an interesting case. We often come across people who think that as they are self-employed they may not be able to pursue a claim following an accident during the course of their employment. That is not the case. A self-employed individual, a contractor or even a temporary worker has exactly the same rights to pursue a personal injury claim as somebody who is in permanent employment.

Our client was able to demonstrate that the accident occurred due to the errors of those involved in the unloading of the struts. It was irrelevant that he was not an employee. He was therefore able to pursue a claim against their insurers.

Due to the number of parties involved, it was a complicated and rather protracted procedure, with the parties blaming each other, but eventually we were able to resolve this claim on extremely satisfactory terms for our client.

Whilst he had ongoing injuries due to the accident, at least we were able to secure a large financial settlement for him and his family.”

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