A mechanic for Renault has successfully claimed and received compensation for injuries he received whilst at work.

Ricky Bratton, aged 39, used to work for Colas Ltd as a public lighting attendant and in March 2007 was repairing and maintaining some street lighting along a stretch of the A22 in Hailsham, East Sussex. Whilst walking to the rear of his van, Bratton was unexpectedly hit by a fast-moving car which pinned him to his own vehicle and badly bruised much of the left-side of his body.

As Mr Bratton reports, the driver of the car then sped off leaving himself and his colleague to give chase. Although they caught up with the driver, Bratton still had to be taken to hospital where he discovered the bruising had extended to his hand, knee, back, hip, and ribs.

The damage done was substantial enough that Mr Bratton had to be off work for almost three weeks. Although the insurers initially denied liability, Bratton has now been awarded £30,000 as recompense for his financial and emotional losses.