Plymouth amputee wins compensation and retrains to inspire others

A former warehouse operative from Plymouth has won a compensation payout after he suffered a leg injury and subsequent amputation after falling from height at work.

Mark Jeffery, 47, has been awarded £530,000 in compensation and retained as a trauma counsellor to help others going through similar life-changing experiences.

While cleaning out the guttering in 2005 at his employer’s premises in Plymouth, Mark fell from a height and sustained injuries to his left leg, ankle and foot.

Following the incident, Mark was left in debilitating pain for several years. He underwent 13 operations, as well as numerous examinations and treatments. Eight years on, Mr Jeffery had to have his lower left leg amputated.

Prior to the accident, family man Mark was very fit and active, partaking in a lot of physical activity with his wife and three children. The loss of his limb and ability to play sports caused him physical and psychological trauma, for which he took pain management sessions, counselling and physiotherapy.

The dispute, which involved disagreements about the equipment used to carry out the work, was settled between the parties and the firm agreed to compensate Mark - almost 10 years after the incident. Injury law firm, Jefferies Solicitors, secured the settlement from his former employer to compensate for the pain and suffering he went through, as well as loss of earnings and help towards his retraining in a non-manual career.

Mark says: “Although devastated to lose my leg, I tried to stay positive throughout the process. While recovering, I retrained as a qualified counsellor, specialising in trauma, so that I could offer support and advice to those going through similar experiences.”

He continues: “The support I received was invaluable and helped me to take all of the steps needed to lead a happy and active life.”

Nina Ramsden, director and personal injury lawyer at Jefferies Solicitors, said, “The ordeal that Mark has been through could have easily been avoided. He has been left with life-changing injuries which has had a dramatic impact on both his life and his family.”

Nina added: “It is great to hear that Mark has been inspired to help others going through similar unfortunate circumstances.”