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Isle of Wight brain injury worker in £7m payout
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| BBC News January 14, 2011 |
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A boatyard worker who suffered brain damage when he was hit by a falling gantry has won £7.2m in damages. Kevin Cleightonhills was injured as he tried to store a boat for the evening while working in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight in September 2006. Now 26, he lives with round-the-clock support in a bungalow near the family home in Bembridge. Judge Gary Burrell QC said the award was in Mr Cleightonhills' best interests and praised his family. Mr Cleightonhills had lived in London for a few years but returned to the island to work for the summer at Bembridge Marine Ltd, which trades as Bembridge Outboards. He was standing on a metal gantry which collapsed beneath him and he was hit on the head by falling metal. "This settlement provides the reassurance that he will receive care for the rest of his life”said Claire Howard Blake Lapthorn
The company's counsel, Henry Charles, said it was an "awful accident" for which it expressed its "sincere regret" and hoped that the approach of its insurers and legal team in providing interim payments and support had helped. Initially given a 5% chance of survival, Mr Cleightonhills needed further surgery when he developed post-traumatic hydrocephalus and later underwent intensive rehabilitation. He is now doing "surprisingly well", despite problems with memory, concentration and fatigue, said counsel David Wilby QC. He told the judge at London's High Court that Mr Cleightonhills had a good quality of life and helped out in a local charity shop, but would not be able to live independently. Claire Howard, a partner at legal firm Blake Lapthorn, which represented Mr Cleightonhills, said: "This settlement for Kevin provides the reassurance that he will receive care for the rest of his life and is a case that shows what can be achieved when parties work together."
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