Six-figure settlement secured for injured oil-rig worker

The Leigh Day client, who we have called Adam, slipped on a patch of oil that hadn’t been covered by rubber safety matting in 2018. Adam suffered an injury to his back, which later developed into a chronic pain condition, and he was unable to return to offshore work.
 
Adam had enjoyed offshore work for many years, but now he had to spend the rest of his career in an office-based role. This not only had a significant financial impact, but the change in his career path affected him psychologically.
 
Adam turned to Leigh Day’s Travel team to investigate a personal injury claim against his employer.
 
The Defendant admitted liability quickly. However, their expert evidence alleged that a short-lived soft tissue injury and ongoing symptoms (and subsequently, loss of earnings) were due to unrelated constitutional changes. This was contrary to the evidence provided by Leigh Day’s expert, who believed Adam had suffered a permanent injury to thoracic facet joints in the spine.
 
Despite the opposing evidence, pain management experts agreed that Adam had developed a chronic pain disorder which, had the accident not occurred, he would not have developed.
 
After five years of litigation, a six-figure settlement was agreed.
 
Caitlin Wood, solicitor at Leigh Day, said:
 
“I am pleased that we were able to achieve a significant settlement for Adam which will hopefully provide relief and financial security for the rest of his career. Importantly, it has also allowed Adam to put the psychological impact of bringing a personal injury claim against his employer, behind him. 

“I would encourage anyone who has been injured at work or overseas and wants to seek advice on bringing a potential legal claim, to get in touch.”