A former firefighter from Exeter has been awarded compensation after injuring his shoulder and neck in a holiday accident.

The 53-year-old FBU member received £7,000 after falling three metres down a steep grass slope while on holiday at the Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon. He was walking along a poorly-lit pavement when he fell down the slope.

The accident occurred early on in his holiday, meaning he had to go home early. He visited his GP the next day and an MRI scan confirmed he had suffered an injury to his back, as well as whiplash-like symptoms to his neck.

Day-to-day tasks, such as driving and getting dressed, became more difficult because of the pain in his neck and back.

“We have a proud history of supporting the trade union movement and fighting for the rights of members who have been injured unnecessarily."

Yvonne Peel from Thompsons Solicitors

He contacted the FBU and instructed Thompsons Solicitors to make a holiday accident compensation claim.

“My holiday ended before it had even started,” he said. “I’d planned a relaxing family trip, but this accident brought those plans to a complete halt and left me in a great deal of pain for weeks afterwards. In fact, I feel the occasional pain in my neck and shoulders to this day.

“I retired as a firefighter years ago but my out of trade membership means the FBU still supported me with my claim – something I would have never done without their legal expertise.”

Dave Green, from the FBU, said: “FBU members – whether they are working or retired – can benefit from legal services if they suffer an injury while on holiday, as part of the union legal scheme. Our member turned to us after his holiday was ruined by an avoidable accident and, with the help of Thompsons Solicitors, we were able to ensure he was compensated for what happened.”

Yvonne Peel, from Thompsons Solicitors, added: “We have a proud history of supporting the trade union movement and fighting for the rights of members who have been injured unnecessarily. Hopefully, Ladram Bay Holiday Park will learn from its mistakes and sort out its lighting to avoid someone else being injured in a similar way.”