Delivery Driver Who Fell from Van Wins £500,000

A compensation settlement of over £500,000 has been agreed for a delivery driver who fell from his van and suffered life-changing injuries.

Colin White, 53, was working for a home deliveries firm when the accident happened. He and his colleague had been provided with a tail-lift to assist them when removing furniture from the back of their van. One of Mr White's colleagues had, unbeknown to him, moved the tail-lift. When he stepped backwards onto where he thought the tail-lift was, he fell.

He hit his head on the tail-lift and was temporarily paralysed. He is now in constant pain and has been told that he will not be able to work again.

Mr White brought a claim against his former employer, as neither he nor his colleague had received training in the use of the tail-lift. Employers are required by law to assess the risks involved in the work carried out by employees and to provide them with training in the safe use of any equipment they use in the course of their duties. The size of the compensation settlement reflects the ongoing pain and suffering experienced by Mr White, as well as his loss of future income.