A rail track worker, who suffered an ankle fracture after he was injured on an authorised walkway at work, has secured compensation with the support of Thompsons and his RMT trade union.

RMT union member, Vincent, a 67-year-old rail track worker from Ipswich, fractured his ankle after slipping on a concrete cover on a walkway near a rail track while on shift in January 2021.

Vincent, who has worked on the railways for over 40 years, was taken to Ipswich Hospital. Hospital X-rays revealed that he had fractured his right ankle.

The RMT member underwent corrective surgery and now has a metal plate in his ankle. The incident forced him off work for six months and the extent of his injuries meant that he had to move into an office-based role.

Vincent instructed the national law firm, Thompsons Solicitors, to launch a compensation claim for his injuries and financial losses, on the basis that his employer – Network Rail Infrastructure - had failed in their duty towards him and had breached several health and safety regulations.

Thompsons helped him secure a £25,000 compensation payout.

The experience has left the RMT member angry and upset. He believes the incident could have been avoided if his employer had taken better health and safety precautions.

Vincent said: “This incident was wholly avoidable. My employer views health and safety as little more than a box ticking exercise. The welfare of rail track workers isn’t taken seriously enough, yet we’re the ones keeping our rail network safe for passengers.

“I used to be a very active person and enjoyed participating in martial arts, which I’ve had to stop because of my injuries.
“I’ve been given excellent support by Thompsons. My lawyer, Sarah, listened to any concerns and guided me through legal proceedings with care and compassion.

“I’m delighted with the outcome of my claim. Having some financial security allows me to focus on my health and wellbeing.”

Thompsons’ Sarah Lake, who represented Vincent, said: “While no amount of money can ever compensate for the avoidable physical distress our client endured as a result of this incident, we are pleased that we were able to secure a positive outcome.

“The settlement figure compensated Vincent for his ankle injury and financial costs, including loss of earnings and travel expenses.

“We hope this settlement can provide some closure and allow him to move on positively with his life.”