WATERSIDE ACCIDENT

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 170, 14 April 1932, Page 5

WATERSIDE ACCIDENT

Court Awards Compensation MAN HIT BY BALE OF WOOL Judgment for plaintiff was given in the Arbitration Court by Mr. Justice Frazer yesterday in the case in which Samuel John Gardiner, waterside worker, claimed compensation from Gannaway and Company, stevedores, in respect of personal incapacity due to an accident which he suffered in June last. On that occasion Gardiner was working on the Melbourne Maru, and while he was handling wool in the hold of the vessel a bale fell on his right leg and sprained the ankle. It was admitted that he was totally incapacitated until October 14, but there was a conflict of medical opinion as to his condition after that date, and the Court decided to adopt a middle course and regard him as having been fit after October 14 for light work such as that of a liftman, watchman, or timekeeper, that did not necessitate his’ being constantly on his feet, and as having been fit for full work from the date of the hearing of the action. Judgment was entered for plaintiff for compensation at the rate of £3/8/5 per week to October 14,1931, and thereafter to April 8, 1932, at the rate of £l/3/5 per week. He was allowed £1 as first aid fee, and £lO/10/- costs and £2/2/- witness’s expenses. The defendant company is to be given credit for any sums paid on account of compensation.