Workplace Accident Lawyers Secure Rehab Package For Dad Who Suffered Life-Changing Brain and Spinal Injuries

An engineer who was seriously injured when he fell through a floor at work has revealed his determination to reclaim more of his life after lawyers secured him a settlement.

Chris Simmons, from Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractured spine when he plunged from height onto a concrete floor. 

The dad-of-two, who had not been provided with a safety harness or hard hat, was helping to lay a mezzanine floor at a factory in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, when he stepped on an unsecured piece of board. He fell through the floor “like a trap door”.  

Chris, aged 32, spent around a month in hospital, undergoing two long and complex operations on his spine. 

Eastwood dad Chris asks workplace accident lawyers to investigate

Following the incident, he and his wife, Hollie, instructed expert workplace accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the specialist support, rehabilitation, and therapies he required. 

Chris, who is only beginning a return to work more than three years after the incident, has spoken for the first time about the impact his injuries have had on his family. He is sharing his story in the hope of improving workplace health and safety as well as raising awareness of the importance and impact of rehabilitation.

Legal experts secure settlement to fund Chris' ongoing rehab

It comes after his legal team at Irwin Mitchell secured an undisclosed settlement from Chris’ employer which admitted liability. The funds will help pay for the ongoing care and support Chris requires. 

It also follows interim payments made by the employer which helped fund an intensive seven-week in-patient care programme at STEPS Rehabilitation in Sheffield. While at STEPS, Chris was able to access the specialist care and rehabilitation that he needed and make strides towards regaining control of his life.

Georgie Woolmer is the expert workplace injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Chris.

Expert Opinion

“The last three years and coming to terms with the terrible injuries Chris suffered has been incredibly difficult, not only for Chris but for his young family. His injuries have had a profound impact, both physically and emotionally.

“While Chris has made and continues to make great progress in his recovery through access to rehab, he still faces many challenges.

“We’re grateful to Chris’ employer for recognising the seriousness of what happened and supporting his rehabilitation. Chris has worked incredibly hard with ongoing support to maximise his recovery.

“His story is a stark reminder of the life-changing consequences people can be left to face through safety failings and the need for companies to ensure the safety of their employees at all times. It is also a great example of just how important rehabilitation can be in helping individuals to regain independence, mobility, and a sense of hope after such traumatic and life-changing accidents.

“We are pleased that Chris’ case has been resolved with a settlement that will provide Chris and his family with the necessary support and care for the rest of his life. This settlement is a testament to Chris’ resilience and determination throughout this challenging journey.” Georgie Woolmer

Workplace accident: Chris Simmons' story

Chris had only recently started working for the firm as an installation engineer when the incident happened on 30 July, 2021.

He was in hospital during the COVID pandemic, meaning he was unable to see Hollie and their children – Ruby and Jenson, now aged nine and six - often.

Once home, Chris continued to struggle with headaches, pain, and memory issues, as well as significant fatigue and mobility challenges. Chris could only walk for a few minutes before becoming breathless. He was unsteady on his feet and suffered several falls.

Irwin Mitchell helped put in place a private rehab team, and Chris underwent a third operation on his spine in November 2023. The interim payments helped fund an inpatient stay at STEPS rehabilitation, which worked to improve his physical health as well as mental health. Chris found purpose in spreading his positive outlook to the residents at STEPS, arranging activity days out and bringing people together to socialise.

Chris can now help look after his children again, can participate in family days out, and has regained his identity. Following a third spinal surgery and rehabilitation, Chris is looking ahead to his positive future.

Nottinghamshire man Chris reveals affect fall had on him and his family

Chris said: “Thankful, I’ve an extremely limited memory of the incident. I can remember talking with a colleague just before and a brief moment in the ambulance, but the next clear memory was of me being in hospital five days later. 

“However, I’ve been told I just went through the floor like a trap door and tried to grab hold of a metal beam but I didn’t have time to react. 

“Before the accident, life was good. We had a plan set out for the future, and me and Hollie were saving to buy a house. However, that all changed in a split-second.

“Trying to come to terms with my injuries and what it may mean for our future was particularly difficult. While Hollie and the kids tried to visit me in hospital as much as they could, there was a lot of time where I was just by myself.

“Spending time in hospital was just the start of it. Once home, I continued to suffer. Beforehand, me and Hollie shared everything, and I was a real hands-on dad. In the summer, I’d get up early and set the garden up like a play centre with inflatables, paddling pool, and games for the children.

“But I’d gone from being that person to one reliant on Hollie. 

“I’ve always tried to be a positive person and drew on that. There have been many difficult and emotional times throughout this process, but when I started my rehab, I could start seeing the difference. I felt like there was hope of getting some of my independence back. 

“STEPS and the community rehabilitation gave me a new lease of life. Not only has my physical health improved, but so has my mental health. Being around people going through similar experiences and hearing their stories really motivated and inspired me.

Chris determined to reclaim more of his old life

“The help and support I’ve also had from my family has been amazing. I’m now able to do a lot more with the children, and me and Hollie are planning on renewing our wedding vows for our 10th anniversary in 2028. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m determined to reclaim more of my life. 

“I may not be the Chris that I was before the accident, but I am navigating what the new Chris looks like and what he can achieve. 

“The support I received from Irwin Mitchell throughout my case has been invaluable. This settlement means I can now look forward to the future with confidence. Irwin Mitchell's advice was always clear and precise, and I felt genuinely supported every step of the way during my legal journey. Their guidance and expertise have made a significant difference in my life, allowing me to focus on my recovery and plan for a brighter future. 

“I just hope that others who have found themselves in a similar situation to what I did don’t feel they have to suffer alone. There’s support out there which makes such a difference. Life doesn’t have to end after injury.” 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting employees and families affected by workplace accidents at our dedicated accidents at work claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.