Factory Worker Secures Damages for Career-Ending Hand Injury

A man who had to have a finger on his left hand amputated following a workplace accident has obtained a compensation settlement.

The 65-year-old man, who worked as a manufacturing technical manager, was investigating a problem with a packaging machine when a colleague accidentally closed the machine's cross-seal jaw. His hand was crushed and he suffered multiple fractures.

He was taken to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. However, six months after the accident, the ring finger on his left hand had to be amputated. The loss of his finger accelerated a pre-existing condition which left him with reduced grip and mobility. He eventually had to take early retirement.

He brought a claim against his former employer, arguing that it had failed to provide a safe system of work. Although the employer denied liability for the accident, a five-figure settlement was agreed shortly before his claim was due to come to trial.