Skip to main content

We make the difference. Talk to us: 0333 004 4488 | hello@brabners.com

Person splitting firewood with an axe, wearing a black jacket and yellow gloves, outdoors on a ground covered with chopped wood and leaves.

Six-figure settlement for seriously injured machine operator

The settlement provided our client with essential funding to support his future treatment, equipment and practical needs.

Our serious personal injury team successfully secured £125,000 for a young part‑time worker who suffered a serious crush injury to the thumb while operating machinery at an outdoor leisure site.

Here, Andy Tindall explains the background to the case and how we reached the settlement.

 

Injury, affects & treatment

The injury occurred when our client attempted to adjust a piece of wood on a log‑splitting machine, inadvertently activating the piston mechanism. His thumb became trapped, resulting in extensive damage to the soft tissue and bone.

He sustained a complex crush injury to the non‑dominant thumb, including a fracture, degloving injury and loss of tissue at the tip. Over the following year, he underwent multiple surgical procedures, including initial repair, reconstructive plastic surgery and later corrective surgery to address scarring and functional restriction. He required physiotherapy, occupational therapy and intensive hand therapy for many months.

The injury led to long‑term difficulties with grip strength, dexterity and sensation. Everyday tasks such as fastening buttons, tying shoelaces and handling small objects became challenging. Our client also developed cold intolerance in the affected hand and was left with permanent scarring on the thumb, hand, forearm and donor site on his foot.

 

Our work — gathering evidence, ensuring rehabilitation & funding equipment 

After obtaining an early admission of liability, our team worked with the insurer to arrange appropriate case management to put in place a necessary rehabilitation programme to aid his recovery. This included hand therapy, scar management and psychological treatment. 

Once our client’s initial treatment and therapy had concluded, independent evidence was obtained from experts in hand surgery, prosthetics and psychology. 

One of the most significant aspects of the claim concerned our client’s future needs. The prosthetics expert recommended a high‑definition silicone thumb prosthesis, silicone protective caps, specialist gloves and orthotic footwear support. These aids were projected to require periodic renewal throughout his adult life. 

 

Settling the case

Following detailed negotiations, the case settled for £125,000 — providing our client with essential funding to support his future treatment, equipment and practical needs.

“This case was a true team effort. By working closely with our medical experts and Counsel, we were able to build a clear and compelling picture of our client’s long term needs. I’m particularly grateful to James Kinsey for his detailed and pragmatic advice, which played a key role in achieving an excellent outcome for our client.”

Andy Tindall, Solicitor, Brabners

Talk to us

Whether you've suffered a catastrophic or life-changing injury caused by an accident at work, on the road, in a public space or on private property, our serious personal injury solicitors are dedicated to helping you access justice and rebuild your life as quickly as possible.

Our experts can help you to secure the maximum possible compensation award so that you can have the very best level of future financial security and independence.

Talk to our friendly team today by giving us a call on 0333 004 4488, sending us an email at medneg@brabners.com or completing our contact form.

Andrew Tindall

Andrew is a Solicitor in our litigation team.

Read more
Andrew Tindall

Talk to us

Loading form...

Related insights