A gas worker who was caught in a huge explosion while investigating a leak has won a £230,000 payout.
Danny McLeod, who worked for Transco, had been called out following reports of a gas leak near a pub in Norwich in 2003. While he was investigating there was a huge explosion which destroyed the pub and the force of which blew Mr McLeod several metres into the air.
Mr McLeod suffered some physical injuries in the accident but most damaging of all was the psychological harm caused by the blast. He suffered post traumatic stress disorder which has made it very difficult for him to work. He tried to carry on working as a gas fitter but found it too stressful. Five years after the accident he is still plagued by memories of what happened.
Mr McLeod now has difficulty concentrating for any length of time and has developed a stutter. He is currently self-employed as an odd-job man.
The accident was caused because a worker laying cables for a contracting firm, Schememade Limited, cut through a gas pipe. The contractors had failed to check the area in which their workers were drilling. Gas from the leak is thought to have filled the cellar of the pub and then ignited just as Mr McLeod was investigating.
The contracting company admitted liability for the accident and Mr McLeod was awarded £230,000 in compensation.
Many people suffer injuries at work through no fault of their own. Compensation can be claimed for both physical and psychological harm. If you have been in an accident at work, or elsewhere, that was caused because someone else was at fault, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us for advice on making a claim.
