A GMB Northern member, who was seriously injured when he was hit by a car on a zebra crossing, has received £110,000 in compensation, with the support of the union.

The Carlisle member’s ankles and his right wrist were broken when he was knocked down in Wolverhampton where he was working for Chubb. Although the traffic had stopped, a car ran into the back of a stationary vehicle causing it to shunt forward onto the crossing.

While his wrist and one ankle healed well, his right ankle needed surgery and a metal plate inserted. But he remained in severe pain. Over a year later, in April 2009, he suffered a stroke and was only well enough to have a second operation on his ankle in May 2010.

He has recovered from his stroke but hasn’t been able to return to work because his injuries mean he cannot walk long distances. He contacted the GMB for advice and Thompsons Solicitors was instructed to investigate a claim for compensation.

Thompsons secured an interim payment to allow him to receive treatment on his ankle and argued that his injuries made it more difficult for him to find other work if he should lose his job. Thompsons reached an out-of-court settlement with the car driver’s insurers.

The interim payment Thompsons secured helped pay for treatment

The member said: “I was in a state of shock. I never expected to be run over on a zebra crossing. My ankles and wrist were a mess and it was difficult coping at first. I was very reliant on my family and friends to do most things.

“My stroke was unrelated to the accident but it did mean a delay in getting the treatment I needed. The interim payment Thompsons secured helped pay for treatment once I was well enough to have a second operation.

“I cannot thank the GMB and Thompsons enough for the support they have given me during these difficult times.”

Ged Caig from the GMB said: “Our member has been through an awful experience, first with this car accident and then coping with the impact of a stroke. We are pleased that our free legal service has been able to help him and hope this compensation will relieve any financial pressures he faces.”

A brain injury specialist from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Our priority, in this case, was to ensure the member received interim payments to fund rehabilitation and get him the maximum compensation when we negotiated the final settlement.”