Injured machine operator wins £4m compensation payout

Christopher Kaye, 57, will receive a lump sum of £1.75 million and additional annual payments of £135,000 for life.

His legal team said the damages package is likely to reach £4.2 million based on a life expectancy of 20 years.

Mr Kaye was working on a construction site in Sheffield for demolition company Euro Dismantling Services Ltd when he was seriously injured in October 2008.

He was changing the grapple attachment on an excavator when the connecting metal bar fixing the grapple to the boom sprang out, hitting him in the face and knocking him to the ground.

He was taken to Sheffield Hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery.

He was left with severe brain damage and needs around-the-clock care.

Lawyers argued that Mr Kaye had received inadequate training and that equipment that could have allowed him to carry out the job more safely was purchased after the accident.

It was also claimed that written instructions on changing the grapple were not provided until after Mr Kaye’s accident.

There were also concerns that another accident, similar in nature, had occurred previously. The claims were denied.

Euro Dismantling Services Ltd initially denied any responsibility but eventually accepted 90% liability, lawyers said today.

Mr Kaye’s wife, Sue, said: “It’s a massive relief for all of this to be finally over and for there to be funds to pay for the care Chris needs.

“No amount of money will help Chris to fully recover or give me back my loving husband of 32 years, nor will my children ever have the same dad.”

Jill Greenfield, from law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse, said: “This was a terrible accident that could have been avoided had better equipment and training been in place at Mr Kaye’s workplace. This accident has had a profound effect on Mr Kaye and his family who are devoted to him. The money will allow Chris to have round-the-clock care and support in what are very difficult circumstances.”