Injuries Direct - Personal Injury Claims

A joiner has launched a work accident claim for compensation after falling down a 20foot manhole.

Luke Ward, 19, suffered multiple injuries when he plunged down the unmarked hole whilst working at the B&Q site in Parkgate, Rotherham.

The hole, which was only covered by a piece of plywood at the time, collapsed when he stepped on it. He subsequently fell 20foot, hitting a series of metal steps before crashing onto the concrete base below.

After shouting for help he realised no-one could hear him, so proceeded to drag himself out. When he finally reached the site office he collapsed in front of colleagues.

He was then taken to Rotherham hospital where he was treated for injuries to his ankle, rib and neck. He also suffered a number of cuts and bruises all over his body and was placed on crutches for one month. He had to take five weeks off work to recover.

Following the incident he launched a work accident claim against the construction company Henry Boot, who he was carrying out contract work for.

He said: “Even though I’m back at work now, I can only work for short periods without causing pain in my ankle and my neck hurts most of the time. I was also diagnosed as having a soft tissue injury to my back with along with my ribs, causes pain when lifting heavy items.”