A binman whose shattered leg had to be amputated above the knee after his rubbish truck hit a parked lorry has been awarded £1.8m in damages.
Michael Bagridge, 23, was a front-seat passenger when the lorry’s cab collapsed on impact in March, Cambs, in January last year.
He had to be cut free from the wreckage together with driver John King, 50.
Mr. King, a father-of-six, was left fighting for life after the accident and was given a 50/50 chance of survival before both his legs were amputated.
Mr. Bagridge lost his left leg and sued his employers, Fenland District Council – but the High Court heard liability was never in dispute.
He appeared on crutches at court but now needs a wheelchair over longer distances despite being fitted with a prosthesis.
His counsel Robert Weir QC told the court: “It was a horrendous accident in which Mr Bagridge was not the only significant casualty.”
Approving the £1.8m settlement of the case, Judge David Pittaway QC said: “The damages will enable Mr Bagridge to enhance his quality of life and, no doubt, will give his parents some comfort as to his long-term future.”
