Manual handling caused prolapsed disc

Mr S sustained a prolapsed disc whilst working as a refuse collector. He was lifting a re-cycling box, which unbeknown to him, had no drainage holes. The box was unexpectedly heavy as a result of being filled with rainwater.

Mr S contacted Digby Brown about making a work accident claim against his employer for his injuries and losses.

However, the defenders argued that the accident had not caused our client's prolapsed disc and also that he should have noticed the rain water in the box.

A proposal to settle at £4,000 was received by the defenders and rejected as our solicitors knew this did not fairly compensate Mr S for his injuries.

The case ultimately settled for £11,000 - almost three times the initial offer - shortly before the case went to court.