Compensation of £4,500 was awarded to Mr G for injuries suffered as a result of a fall.

Mr G, a member of the Armed Forces, was walking along a grass verge close to his home.  He stood on a manhole cover.  As he put his left foot onto the manhole cover, it pivoted down and Mr G was thrown forwards.  His left foot went down the hole approximately 1 metre.  He then struggled to get out of the hole because each time he pushed on the top of the manhole cover it trapped his leg. 

He was immediately aware of pain in his left knee but, having managed to free himself, was able to walk the short distance to his home.  His knee was swollen and there was a 2cm gash below the left knee. 

Within several days of reporting the defect, the manhole was repaired.  Liability for the accident was accepted by the MoD.

Mr G had had previous problems with his knees.  Medical evidence was obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.  This confirmed that whilst Mr G had had previous problems with his knees prior to the accident he had been symptom free following surgery in 2005.  The accident had aggravated the development of arthritic changes in the left knee by a period of 2-3 years. 

Read more about the personal injury cases that Nelsons have handled by visiting our Accidents at Work case studies page.

For advice on pursuing a claim for compensation please contact a member of our Personal Injury team.