by Richard Robins
20 September 2010
A shop assistant who lost both the sight in one eye and his sense of smell after suffering a head injury could be eligible to make a work accident claim against his employer.
Mahendra Dhoju was taking a ‘roll cage’ container up a ramp to the stockroom of his employer’s shop, a branch of Londis in Richmond, south-west London, when the accident occurred.
The cage became stuck at the top of the ramp and Mr Dhoju, whilst trying to free it, slipped and struck his head on the container.
Richmond council concluded that the accident was avoidable and brought proceedings against the shop’s owner, Kishor Chandegra. He was fined £17,000 and was ordered to pay costs totaling more than £5,500.
Mr Dhoju could be eligible to claim up to £50,000 for his injuries, Judicial Studies Board guidelines claim.