An apprentice plumber was injured by a faulty chop saw. Read our case study about how we secured £350,000 for our client and find out what helps a workplace machinery claim succeed.
How did the accident happen?
Our client “H” (not his real initial) was a 20-year-old apprentice plumber working on a bathroom installation in February 2024. His supervisor instructed him to set up a chop saw and start cutting timber and batten outside the customer’s home while the supervisor worked indoors.
After about an hour, H felt the saw was becoming stiff on the return. He reported it. The supervisor said it hadn’t been put away properly by a previous user, but told H to carry on, saying the saw would be fine.
At around 10:20 a.m., while kneeling and holding the timber with his left hand, H finished a cut and lifted the blade. However, the blade jammed halfway, the guard didn’t come down, the timber slipped, and H’s left hand was pulled into the running blade.
What injuries did the client suffer?
H suffered horrendous injuries to his left hand, which left him with:
- Traumatic amputations of the left little and ring fingers
- A deep laceration to the left index finger
- Surgery to terminalise the little and ring fingers and close the index finger wound
- Psychological injury (PTSD)
Away from the operating theatre, this accident at work changed H’s daily life. He struggled with hand function, had cold sensitivity, and found certain tasks painful or slow.
Rugby had been a big part of his life, and in fact, he played semi-professionally. Sadly, all that stopped overnight, and he’s been told it’s unlikely he’ll return to play at the high level he was at before.
He was also unable to return to his apprenticeship and is unlikely to work in roles requiring fine manual dexterity in the future. If the cold sensitivity he now experiences persists, pursuing outdoor work will also be difficult.
What practical help did Mooneerams provide?
H. approached Mooneerams shortly after the accident with a view to pursuing a personal injury claim for him. We took full instructions from H and took the claim on for him. The claim was funded on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning that if the client’s case were unsuccessful, he would have no legal fees to pay.
We arranged hand therapy and psychological therapy for our client. A consultant plastic/ortho-plastic hand surgeon, a psychologist, a prosthetics expert and a radiologist provided medical evidence. The evidence these experts provided helped map out both the client’s current life picture and what H is likely to need in the years ahead.
Was liability in dispute?
The Defendant’s insurers denied liability from the outset. They also argued H should carry a high share of blame (contributory negligence). We disagreed. H flagged a problem with the saw; he was told to keep using it; the safety guard didn’t engage when the blade jammed. H’s employers were in breach of their duty of care to keep H safe whilst at work. They failed to provide him safe equipment to carry out the job he was tasked to do. We built the case around those points and the technical evidence.
What losses did Mooneerams claim for on the client’s behalf?
Damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA)
PSLA is compensation for the pain and suffering the client has endured and continues to experience to varying degrees. Loss of amenity refers to the effect the injuries, including psychological injuries, have had on his everyday life. In fact, courts usually award one sum of damages to cover PSLA as a whole.
Past losses:
- Lost earnings (apprentice income and rugby earnings)
- Care and assistance from family
- Treatment/therapy costs
- Out-of-pocket items (e.g. clothing to cover the hand), a switch to an automatic car, and cancelled trips
Future losses:
- Further treatment (possible surgery, more hand therapy and counselling)
- Prosthetics and associated costs/insurance
- Vocational rehabilitation
- DIY/gardening help
- Future loss of earnings and pension impact
- Heated gloves and other practical aids for cold sensitivity
What offers were made by the Defendant, and what was the outcome?
- The first offer made by the defendants was in August 2024, for £125,000, which we advised was insufficient to compensate the client for the long-term impact of his injuries. A time-limited offer was also made by the other party on the same date in the sum of £150,000. That too was rejected.
- After further negotiations, the claim was settled in September 2025 for the sum of £350,000.
We discussed the case with our counsel (barrister) and, together, took the view that the odds of a court awarding less than £350,000 were higher than those of it awarding H more than £350,000. Accordingly, we took the view and advised our client that, finally, the Defendant’s insurers’ offer represented a sensible and suitable outcome in a hard-fought case, in which liability remained in dispute throughout.
What did the client have to say?
“I just wanted to say to you guys as well, I cannot thank you enough, you’ve helped me so much and changed my life. I will forever be grateful for what you’ve done, thank you.”
Who handled the H’s case?
Instructions were taken in person by expert Serious Injury Claims solicitor, Angus Fergusson, a Director at Mooneerams, shortly after we were approached in February 2024. Angus, a solicitor with over 25 years post qualification experience (PQE) had conduct of the claim throughout, assisted by trainee solicitor, Bethany Davies.
Why this case matters
Power tools should be maintained and used with working safety features. No worker should be put in harm’s way by being provided with tools that are unfit for purpose. H did the right thing by reporting his concerns about how the saw was operating. When he was told to continue using it regardless, and the guard failed, the consequences were life-changing.
The settlement achieved by Mooneerams means H can access ongoing therapy, plan for retraining that suits his hand function, and cover the practical costs of living with partial finger loss and cold sensitivity. It won’t give him his rugby back, but it does give him other life options.
Thinking about an accident at work claim?
If something similar has happened to you as a result of faulty equipment, missing guards, or you’ve felt under pressure to carry on when something isn’t right, speak to us, here at Mooneerams Solicitors. We’ll give you straightforward advice, and if we believe you have a claim with reasonable prospects of success, we’ll handle it on a No Win No Fee basis.
Phone: 029 2048 3615, or send a message via our contact form and we’ll get back to you.
Looking to find out more about accident at work claims? Read these useful links:
What is a defective equipment injury claim?
Defective Work Equipment Claims
12 Things you should know about making a PTSD claim against your employer
Posted in Accidents at Work
