A man who suffered a horrific injury when his arm was pulled into a machine has received £50,000 in compensation.

Engineer David Cotterrill, 29, from Folkestone in Kent had to undergo specialist surgery in France following the accident at Silver Spring Mineral Water Company’s factory in Kent.

His right arm was pulled into a bottle-making machine after he slipped on oil and water which had collected on the factory floor.

The doors of the machine had been left open as David carried out routine maintenance. When he slipped his shirt sleeve caught on the machine and his arm was dragged in.

Three months off work after accident

David had to take three months off following the accident and now works for a different company. He travelled to France for treatment on his arm after the NHS consultants said they couldn’t do any more for him.

Specialists at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris found he had what is known as a “compartment injury”, where the accident had caused his muscles to swell so much they had become too big for the sheath surrounding them. They had to carry out keyhole surgery in which they cut holes in the sheath to allow the muscle to expand freely.

David still suffers from pain now but his arm is slowly recovering. He said he hopes by the end of the year that he will be pain-free.

He said: “I decided to go to France for private treatment after the NHS said they could not do any more for me. The specialists in France were able to give me tests not offered in the UK and discovered I was suffering from compartment syndrome, caused by the accident.

“I am relieved that I have finally had surgery on this injury and that the claim has come to an end. The money will help me to pay my medical bills. I now look forward to getting my life back on track.”

Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation

Following the accident David instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation. Silver Spring Mineral Water Company admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

Andrew Hutson from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mr Cotterrill suffered a horrific accident which has seen him suffer immense pain and have to travel to a different country for specialist treatment. This could all have been easily avoided had his employers complied with health and safety practices.”