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A civilian involved in a police training shooting accident in 2007 suffered severe personal injury and after the police were found guilty of breaching health and safety guidelines in a 2009 court case, the man would almost certainly have been able to commence a compensation claim for damages.
The incident occurred when a police firearms instructor was conducting basic firearms awareness training with civilian staff from a control room. The PC loaded a gun with what he thought was non-live ammunition which had been taken from an unmarked sweet tin. As he demonstrated how the cylinder of the gun revolved, by repeatedly pulling the trigger of the handgun, the civilian worker was shot in the stomach with the live ammunition.
Although a risk assessment had been prepared to cover the use of firearms, including a section on dealing with a situation where live and non-live ammunition are mixed, and the weapons being under the control of a competent person, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the control measures had not been followed fully.
Thames Valley Police were fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £25,000. The firearms instructor also pleaded guilt to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £8,000 with costs of £5,000.
A HSE spokesperson said, "Risk assessments are necessary and an important way of enabling employers to safeguard their workers' safety, but, as this case demonstrates, it is not the pieces of paper or certificates that will stop workers getting injured. It is vital that employers follow up on actions highlighted in risk assessments and ensure staff follow them.
The civilian worker's personal injuries were severe and life changing and it was expected that he would bring a compensation claim against Thames Valley Police to claim damages for his suffering.
Personal injury, risk assessment and compensation claims
If it can be proved that an employer or organisation failed to uphold measures highlighted in a risk assessment then a worker, or civilian, will be able to commence a personal injury compensation claim if they have suffered injury in an accident.
Here at YouClaim we have years of experience in this field and can offer claimants some of the most successful personal injury solicitors in the UK. Our no win, no fee facility guarantees a totally cost free service whether the claim is successful or not, so claimants can proceed with assurance that they are protected from any hidden costs.
What's more, in a successful case our claimants always receive 100 percent compensation - we never take a penny and that's a promise.
So, for a no obligation chat about making a claim for personal injury that you or a family member has suffered, call us today on our free and confidential UK helpline on 0800 10 757 95, or fill in our online claim form so that we can look into the details and call you back at a time to suit you.
