Scaffolder claims lifetime's supply of shoes from Barratt

A scaffolder who broke his ankle on a Barratt Developments site could be in line for nearly £1m compensation – including £150,000 for a lifetime's supply of made-to-measure shoes.

Lawyers for David Hargreaves, 44, of Scarborough, claim he will never be able to do hard physical labour again.

Hargreaves went over on his ankle at a site run by Barratt while he was unloading scaffolding poles from a truck in June, 2005.

Barratt originally accepted liability, according to the Yorkshire Post, thinking that his claim would be worth no more than £15,000.

Following the admission of liability, medical reports were obtained by his lawyers stating that he would never be able to do heavy manual work again due to his injury.

This development led to a £977,744 claim, including £184,000 for a home help for his family, £480,000 for lost earnings and £150,000 for a lifetime's supply of bespoke footwear to ease the pain in his ankle.

Following the leap in potential liability, Barratt tried to withdraw their admission, refusing to pay unless he could prove that his working conditions were negligently hazardous.

Yesterday the builders lost a High Court battle to withdraw the admission – meaning it will now be down to a trial to decide if the £997,744 claim is justified.