Amputee receives pay-out for injury

A LABOURER who had to have a leg amputated after breaking his ankle in a fall at work has received a six-figure sum in compensation from his employer.

William Edge, 64, of Weston Mill, needed eight 'agonising' operations after falling from a ladder on to concrete three metres below.

He said he shouted for help for about 20 minutes before he was heard by a passer-by.

His right ankle became infected and, after 16 months of treatment, the decision was taken to amputate his leg below the knee.

Mr Edge said the injury had deprived him of his career and left him traumatised.

He received substantial compensation in an out-of-court settlement with his former employer, building firm Ardmore Construction.

Mr Edge said: "It's difficult to comprehend how much my life has changed since this accident. It's ruined my life in many ways.

"The most obvious effect has been on my mobility. I was fit, healthy and fully mobile before my accident.

"I used to enjoy going for runs and walks in the countryside and going swimming. I can't do any of this now and I miss it.

"I have been deprived of my career and my role as the bread-winner in the family.

"I've worked all my life and it's been hard adjusting to this. I'd always intended to work until I was 65.

"I also suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder. I get flashbacks of the accident and the hospital."

He added that the infection was due to the break rather than the standard of care at Derriford Hospital, which he praised.

Mr Edge's job involved locking up a construction site on Elliott Street, and at the end of the working day he was often alone.

In September 2005, he lost his grip on a wet ladder while locking up a basement and fell on to concrete three metres below.

He had eight operations on his ankle to fix the break with pins and a metal bar, but in January 2007 the decision was made to amputate his leg below the knee.

Ardmore admitted liability after union Unite instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue compensation for the injury.

Laurence Faircloth from Unite said: "Mr Edge's accident has had horrendous consequences.

"He should never have been put in a position where he was forced to use such a treacherous ladder.

"Strict health and safety regulations should be followed to make sure accidents like this are avoided."

James Davies from Thompsons Solicitors added: "Mr Edge's life has been turned upside-down by this accident.

"He has endured eight agonising operations and now has to adapt to life without his lower right leg."

Bryan Toone, Ardmore Construction Limited's health and safety director, said the company 'deeply regrets' the accident.

In a statement, the firm said: "We accept that there is always more that can be done to improve safety in the construction industry, and we employ eight full-time safety officers who work tirelessly to prevent accidents.

"Although he was an older worker, Bill was fit, healthy and fully mobile, and considered more than able to climb a ladder.

"We are pleased that he has received a substantial sum from our insurers, but appreciate that no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a limb.

"We wish Bill well and hope that he is able to enjoy his retirement."

The statement added that Ardmore supported Mr Edge throughout with its personal accident insurance scheme.