A worker whose life "fell apart" when he fell 30ft from a power line and was left paralysed has won at least £10m in compensation. Gavin Pugh was working on a pylon in April 2022 when he plunged to the ground after the strut his harness was clipped onto came loose.
Mr Pugh, who was 33 at the time, suffered life-changing injuries to his brain, neck, shoulder, ribs and internal organs in the fall, which mean he needs a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He spent six months in hospital.
HSE investigation findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that a nut connecting the strut to the pylon had been removed by another crew that had worked on the pylon previously, something Mr Pugh did not know.
He sued his employer, Cheshire-based Wood Transmission and Distribution Ltd, after the incident. His lawyers at Stewarts said the company failed to take reasonable care of his health and safety while at work and recognised that fault for Mr Pugh's fall rested with them and admitted they were to blame.
Life-changing impact
They said that before the incident, Mr Pugh, from Bangor, had been an "active and sociable person" who enjoyed his job and had his own fishing boat. But his injuries have left him unable to walk and suffering "life-changing physical limitations" and "significant psychological consequences".
After out-of-court negotiations, a care and compensation package was agreed, described by Pugh's lawyers as worth "eight figures". The money was compensation for his injuries and lost future earnings, as well as to help fund 24-hour live-in carers and more than £1m in rehabilitation costs.
Settlement secures future
Mr Pugh said: "The fall turned my life upside down. I wasn’t able to work or go out with my friends; my life fell apart. The interim payments helped massively.
"I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without them. They made sure I was able to pay for any treatment or rehabilitation that I needed. They also helped in securing my new bungalow.
"The settlement ensures I’m comfortable for the rest of my life and that I’ll be looked after. Without it I would have been in a very difficult position, so I am so grateful for it.
"I’ve been able to get back into some of my past hobbies; I’m fishing, and I’m able to get out and about. I’m able to go out with my friends again and enjoy myself, albeit not to the same extent, but I’m still happy."
