Unite member awarded over £1 million after being struck by
disqualified driver
24 July 2008
A Unite member has been awarded £1,123,676.98 for serious
injuries he sustained when a disqualified driver riding a motorbike
hit him.
The member was riding his bicycle to work when he was struck by
the motorbike rider who was trying to evade an unmarked police car
in pursuit of him. The member sustained multiple injuries including
the amputation of the right lower leg and a serious right shoulder
injury which resulted in his right arm being of little use. The
motorbike rider was fatally injured as a result of the
incident.
Unite officer, Des Quinn said: "Our member suffered a terrible
accident at the hands of a negligent and uninsured motorist. In
this case however, his union membership enabled him to seek legal
advice and he was able to get compensation. While this compensation
will never make up for the injuries he sustained it does at least
help him and his family. Whether at work or in the wider world this
case illustrates how valuable union membership can be."
Unite solicitors Rowley Ashworth pursued the claim on behalf of
the member and secured an award of £1,123,676.98. Dave Fisher of
Rowley Ashworth said: "The member was given valuable assistance by
his regional organiser regarding his employment. Despite his
workplace closing the organiser was able provide evidence that the
member would have been redeployed which established that without
his injuries he would have been able to continue working. The
member was therefore able to establish his future wage loss
claim."
As the driver who struck the member was disqualified and
therefore uninsured the claim was pursued through the Motor
Insurance Bureau which was set up to compensate the victims of
negligent uninsured and untraced motorists. Every motor insurance
provider is obliged, by virtue of the Road Traffic Act 1988, to be
a member of MIB and to contribute to its funding.
-ends-
Press enquiries: Ciaran Naidoo, Unite press office 07768 931
3105 or 0207 420 8931
Stephanie Lennon, Rowley Ashworth Solicitors - Direct Dial 0121
212 6812
