Mr P, a lorry driver, was walking across the yard where he worked.  There was no system to separate forklift trucks from pedestrians in that yard (contrary to health and safety legislation) and so Mr P found himself walking past the back of a forklift truck which was unloading materials from some racking. 

Suddenly, and without warning, the forklift driver reversed into collision with Mr P, who found himself under the wheels of the vehicle.

He sustained severe fractures and degloving of the skin and tissue of his right leg and further fractures to the left leg, as well as a post traumatic stress disorder reaction.

He needed several surgical procedures, including skin grafting and metalwork fixation. Recovery was long and slow.

Osbornes Partner Stuart Kightley was recommended to him and Mr R brought a claim against his employers. They admitted some liability but claimed that he contributed to the accident by approaching the vehicle.

Court proceedings were issued and reports obtained by experts in orthopaedics, plastic surgery and psychiatry. The employers’ insurers agreed to fund a rehabilitation programme which eventually got Mr P back to work albeit in a reduced capacity.

The case was settled by negotiation shortly before trial for £90,000.