Blinded employee launches damages claim

A London shop assistant who lost sight in one eye after a tragic workplace accident is suing his employer for breach of health and safety.

In April, Londis employee Mahendra Dhoju and a colleague were attempting to push a large stock container up a ramp when the container became stuck. While struggling to pull it free, Mr Dhoju slipped and slammed his head against the metal cage.

After being treated in hospital, the shop worker was left partially sighted and lacked any sense of smell.

A health and safety assessment conducted by Richmond Council following the accident, resulted in court proceedings against businessman Kishor Chandegra, who is part owner of the convenience store. Mr. Chandegra received a fine of £17,000 and was ordered to pay court costs of just over £5,500.

"The injuries Mr Dhoju suffered will affect him for the rest of his life and I am pleased to see the court has taken this as seriously as the council does," a council spokesman said earlier this year.

But Mr Dhoju could now receive over £50,000 in compensation for his injuries according to guidelines laid down by the Judicial Studies Board.

The Judicial Studies Board, charged with the training and guidance for all judges in England and Wales, outlines the level of compensation awarded to personal injury victims in a range of situations.

For example, those who lose both arms in incidents are entitled to compensation between £125,000 and £155,000 while above the knee amputations could receive £50,000 to £72,000.

Mr Dhoju's compensation may include damages of over £30,000 for loss of sight and a possible £20,000 payout relating to his sense of smell.