Wasall man who lost sight in line for payout

A landscape gardener from Walsall who lost the sight in his right eye after an horrific accident at work could be in line for a bumper compensation payout.

Ashley Brabbin, aged 25, from Pelsall, in Walsall was hit in the eye by a flying piece of metal, while he was cutting a grass verge with a ride-on mower in October 2009. His solicitor said he was not given any safety googles by his employer before carrying out the work.

Mr Brabbin, who was employed at the time by Glendale Managed Services Ltd, had been mowing at Wyrley Birch Allotments in Erdington, in October 2009, when the accident happened.

Though he had checked the area for debris before starting mowing, he glanced back to check that the grass was cutting properly and was hit in the eye by the piece of metal. He was rushed to Good Hope Hospital and was later transferred to the Midlands Eye Hospital but, despite attempts by doctors to repair the damage, he has now been left with permanent loss of sight.

He may lose his eye completely and may face problems in his left eye. Birmingham based solicitors Irwin Mitchell have represented Mr Brabbin and revealed today that his employers have now admitted full liability for what happened.

Mr Brabbin told the Express & Star he had learned to cope with feelings of depression since the accident and was self-concious about his appearance when out in public. Mr Brabbin, who lives at home in St John's Road, with his parents Paul, aged 50 and Brenda, aged 49, said: "I am trying to keep busy and make things more normal. I have been extremely low about it.

"I now have to learn to live with the fact that I will never be able to see out of my right eye. I am trying to stay positive even though currently my future is uncertain."

He now hopes to re-train to become a health and safety officers.

Toni Knott, a workplace accident expert with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors said: "With the correct glasses this accident should have been avoided as could the extremely unpleasant injury which has left him with permanent loss of sight in one eye."

Mr Brabbin has received interim payments in respect of his loss of earnings.

A spokesman for Glendale Managed Services said the matter was with their insurers and the company could not comment further.