A former firefighter who suffered a career ending injury while working at Ilkley fire station in West Yorkshire has secured a substantial damages settlement.
Michael Hollings was seriously injured during a training exercise in May 2011. He and two colleagues were taking part in a drill that involved working at height when the 13.5metre ladder they were using cracked, causing them to fall to the ground.
Michael was wearing an “improvised chest harness” which held him to the ladder at the time of the accident.
As it fell, the top of the ladder landed on a solid fence surrounding the training area, leaving Mr Hollings suspended six inches above the ground.
The force of the recoil as the ladder impacted on the fence left him with a comminuted fracture, two dislocated elbows and forearms. His right foot was also fractured in the fall and he was left concussed.
Mr Hollings said: “Luckily, my FBU union representative came to talk to me after the accident and pointed me in the direction of Thompsons solicitors.”
“I felt that, between the huge support I received from my family and friends and the backing of the FBU and Thompsons, I was in safe hands.
“My experience has shown me the true value of being a union member.
“Not only did the FBU fund my case so I had access to free, legal expertise but I also had on-the-ground support from people like my local FBU representative John Rankin.”
Andy Dark, FBU assistant general secretary, said: “The FBU welcomes the successful outcome of this legal challenge and the compensation awarded to our member Michael Hollings.
“We have serious concerns that the causes of the equipment failure still have not been identified and rectified.”
More information on legal matters is available to members here.
