Industry news
£2m damages for injured groundsman
Posted Tue, 10 Apr 2012
A man who suffered severe head injuries after a freak accident at work has received more than £2 million in damages.
David Johnson was left with brain damage when a gust of wind blew him from a lorry that was collecting metal advertising hoardings from the Castle Combe race track.
The 63-year-old, who had worked at the circuit in Wiltshire for 20 years, continues to remain in a rehabilitation unit and will require 24 hour care for the rest of his life.
Mr Justice Mackay, who approved the settlement against Castle Combe Circuit Ltd, heard that Mr Johnson will receive a lump sum of £2 million plus £250,000 for a year followed by annual index-payments of £205,000.
This compensation package, settled at London's High Court, will allow him to move into an adapted bungalow in Devizes with his wife Angela.
After the hearing, the family's solicitor Neil Elliott said: "Prior to this accident, David and his wife were very happily married and looking forward to their future together.
"All this has been changed dramatically by David's tragic accident. David is a determined man and has always wanted to return home, despite the severe difficulties caused by his brain injury."
Copyright Press Association 2012