Refuse Collector Compensated for Pavement Trip

A refuse collector whose shoulder was badly damaged after he tripped on a raised paving slab has achieved a settlement of £57,000 in compensation.

Alan Shambrook, 55, was collecting recycling boxes when he tripped and fell heavily, injuring his left shoulder, elbow and knee. The injury and subsequent treatment proved extremely painful. Originally, he had keyhole surgery on his shoulder but this wasn’t effective and so he had to undergo open surgery.

After the accident, Mr Shambrook’s life changed dramatically. He was off work for 15 months and is now unable to carry out ordinary activities such as playing with his grandson and swimming. He has been forced to give up golf and can no longer help his wife to lift her disabled mother. He has also been forced to take a lower-paid job as a road sweeper because of his injuries.

Mr Shambrook brought a claim against Hertfordshire County Council, which was responsible for maintaining the highways and pavements, and has now received £57,000 in compensation for the pain and injury he has suffered.

Even a slight slip or trip over a raised paving slab can have devastating consequences and accidents of this nature are easily preventable if roads and pavements are maintained properly.