13/07/2016
Injured electrician wins record compensation of $1.2 million
Kay Dibben, The Courier-Mail
February 24, 2016 1:53pm
A SKILLED electrician who was unable to work and ended up sleeping rough after he was injured in a car accident has been awarded a compensation payout of $1.2 million.
Before the 2011 accident Joshua Martin, now 44, was a hardworking electrical fitter, mechanic and linesman with a solid work history of more than 20 years and his own successful business.
But after he suffered moderate neck and lower back injuries he was unable to work in his specialist field, he could not find other jobs and his family farm had to be sold.
Mr Martin ended up living a nomadic lifestyle, often living in caravan parks, sleeping rough in a swag, or staying in men’s shelters, the Supreme Court in Rockhampton heard.
But last week, Justice Duncan McMeekin awarded Mr Martin more than $1.28 million in damages.
Lawyer Cale Fryer said while Mr Martin’s permanent impairment was assessed at only five per cent, the judge recognised his injury’s very significant impact on his ability to earn income as an electrician.
Mr Martin was previously a “hardworking, well qualified and successful tradesman’’, with wide experience in domestic, industrial, commercial construction, mining and marine electrical work.
But in 2011, 10 months after he started his own business, his stationary Land Rover was rear-ended and shunted forward into the car in front.
The court heard because of his injury Mr Martin was unable to continue his physically demanding work, which involved lifting heavy equipment, climbing poles and long hours driving.
Mr Martin thought of starting a business with his son, before the son was injured, and he was unable to find other work.
