Six figure compensation for back injury

A bricklayer left permanently disabled and unable to return to work after breaking his back in a rooftop fall has received a six figure sum in compensation. He fell from the roof at a building site after the ladder his employer made him use slipped. He had asked his employer if he could use a scaffolding platform to access the house’s chimney to fit a new copex. He was told he would be safe using cat ladders, which lie flat across the roof. But he fell 20 feet to the ground, landing on his back, when the ladder slipped. He fractured his spine in two places and needed major surgery to put metal rods in his back. Following years of recovery his spine has healed well but he has been left with ongoing pain and damage to his bladder. He can no longer lift heavy items, undertake DIY or work in a physical job. He also suffers from anxiety and depression. His employer admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.