Policeman receives personal injury compensation after alleged lack of help from colleagues
May 6th, 2011
Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a former police officer in the West Midlands after he claimed he received no back-up from colleagues as he made an arrest, which led to him sustaining a serious injury.
According to reports from the Birmingham Mail, Richard Gardner received £12,933 in total after telling Birmingham Employment Tribunal he was forced to miss work for months following a clash with a suspect in the middle of a hostile crowd of people.
He damaged his knees and back as he fell to the pavement and subsequently required several operations.
However, Mr Gardner asserted he received no help from police colleagues at the time of the arrest, and that the force failed to make adjustments for his injuries when he eventually returned to work.
The ex-officer, who received two commendations during his time with the police, also stated his belief that he would have eventually become a sergeant had he not injured himself.
At the tribunal, judge David Kearsely said Mr Gardner had a “permanent disability” and that he would have been able to work for 20 hours a week until he was 60 if the police made appropriate adjustments following his injuries.
The news source noted the £12,933 personal injury compensation accounted for loss of earnings due to his injuries, hurt feelings and interest dating back to 2008.
Further compensation could still be claimed over future loss of earnings and health insurance.
West Midlands Police have appealed the decision of the employment tribunal.