Thompsons NI secures victory for Unite member against local council

The personal injury team at Thompsons NI has secured significant compensation for a refuse collector employed by a local council.

Whilst she was at work, our client witnessed the unfortunate event of a colleague dying in front of her. This was owing to the negligence of another colleague employed by the council who unfortunately ran over the deceased. Our client was first on the scene and experienced psychiatric injury as a result of witnessing this incident. We were satisfied that our client would qualify as Primary Victim per White v Chief Constable of South Yorkshire [1998] HoL 1509 

We immediately wrote to the council and held them vicariously liable for the actions of their employee. Legal representatives for the council came on board and took a hostile approach at the beginning of this case. We did not accept this and threatened to issue High Court proceedings should they not accept responsibility. Following some persuasion, they agreed to deal with this matter.

We arranged for our client to be medically examined by a Consultant Psychiatrist who diagnosed her with having PTSD.

Once medical evidence was completed, we served all relevant reports on the solicitors representing the council and a significant settlement was reached without our client having to attend court.

Our client commented: “I was made fully aware of what was going on throughout my case and everything was clearly explained at each juncture. I am extremely pleased and grateful with the outcome. If I ever need any further legal advice in the future, I will certainly get in touch with Thompsons NI.”

If you've suffered a personal injury, contact us on 0800 138 6880 or complete our online claim form.