Richard Chodkiewicz has been given a seven figure sum in compensation after he was left brain damaged following an accident on a site. Mr. Chodkiewicz was working at the Bristol Radisson Blu Hotel when a 3.7kg scaffold pole, which was attached to piano wire and being used as a plumb line, fell down a lift shaft and hit him.
Bristol Crown Court heard that as the wire was being wound up, the pole detached and fell 14 storeys, striking Mr. Chodkiewicz at the bottom of the shaft where he was working.
Mr. Chodkiewicz's wife Karen said, "His short term memory is very poor, his long term memory has also been affected and at times he has difficulty remembering the names of his own children which is heartbreaking."
She added, "Although no amount of money will ever turn back the clock the settlement will provide Richard with a care package that provide the support that is so vital as well as much-needed financial security for his family."
As well as the substantial compensation payout, Millar Construction which was running the project was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,232 in costs. Hoistway Ltd, which employed Mr. Chodkiewicz, was fined £70,000 and ordered to pay £14,616 in court costs.
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