A Unite member from Essex has been compensated after he was knocked off his bike and fractured a wrist – an injury that needed three operations.
John Agius, 62, was cycling down High Road in Benfleet, Essex, in November 2010, when he was hit by a driver pulling out of a junction. The impact threw John from his bike onto the car and then onto the road.
After the three operations and six months off work from his job as a rescue and recovery driver, the long-term damage to John’s wrist means he is still unable to lift heavy items at work and requires occasional help to carry out his job.
“I’ve slowly been able to rebuild my confidence to cycle on the road again,” said John. However, my accident has made me realise just how vulnerable cyclists are and I’m always very wary when approaching a junction, even if it is a quiet road.
“I will never be able to fully rebuild the strength in my left wrist and this has a limiting effect on my day-to-day life from chores around my home to jobs I’m expected to carry out at work. I’m very grateful for the support I have received from Unite Legal Services.” he said.
Unite Legal Services settled the claim in full despite the defendant initially claiming contributory negligence.
Peter Kavanagh, Unite regional secretary, said: “Cyclists really are vulnerable road users and although this wasn’t a work related injury Unite stands by its members wherever they are injured.”
