A professional gardener is pursuing substantial compensation after a routine hedge-trimming job turned into a nightmare when he accidentally cut through a live 11,000-volt electricity cable.
The life-altering incident occurred while the landscaper was working on a property, completely unaware that a dangerous substation wire was concealed within the foliage he was pruning.
The Moment of Impact
When his tools made contact with the high-voltage cable, the gardener received a massive electric shock that threw him backwards and left him with catastrophic injuries. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where he was treated for severe burns before being transported to a specialist hospital.
The aftermath of the accident has been devastating, with the victim suffering from ongoing physical limitations, psychological trauma, and an inability to return to his chosen profession.
Legal Battle with Energy Provider
The gardener has now launched legal proceedings against Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), alleging serious health and safety failures. His legal team argues the energy company neglected its duty to properly insulate or mark the dangerous wiring.
"This was an entirely preventable tragedy," stated the gardener's solicitor. "Essential safety measures that could have protected our client were clearly absent. No worker should face such catastrophic risks while performing routine gardening duties."
Broader Safety Concerns
The case has raised significant questions about:
- The adequacy of protection around electrical infrastructure
- Communication between utility companies and property owners
- Safety protocols for workers operating near power sources
- Responsibility for maintaining clear danger zones around electrical equipment
SSEN has acknowledged the incident but declined to comment specifically on the ongoing legal proceedings. The energy provider stated they take all safety matters seriously and are conducting their own internal investigation.
The case continues as the gardener seeks justice and compensation for his life-changing injuries and lost livelihood.
