Chris Pawson, a 38-year-old joiner from Thornton-Cleveley, secured a seven-figure settlement following a life-altering accident at his workplace. The incident occurred in February 2022 while he was contracted with BGS Projects Ltd, a company based in Blackpool.
As reported by LADbible, Pawson explains that he was pressured into a task under tight deadlines. He recalls the moment, saying, “One of the office lads came over and said ‘look, we’ve got a rush job that’s going out today and you need to jump on it now’.”
The accident happened when Pawson began using a heavy-duty circular saw that had been left in an unsafe state by a previous user. The machinery was reportedly not properly aligned, which caused a piece of wood to snag during operation.
He was unable to care for his newborn child
This movement dragged his right hand directly into the path of the spinning blade. The injury resulted in the loss of his middle finger and a partial amputation of his ring finger. Furthermore, his thumb and index finger suffered significant damage to the nerves, muscles, and tendons.
Pawson describes the immediate aftermath as a state of shock, noting that the physical pain arrived later once the reality of the situation set in at the hospital. He shares, “The pain was unimaginable, but then the panic about my family life and career hit me.” The impact on his home life was severe. He was unable to assist his partner, Bryony, with household tasks or care for their newborn child.
He explains, “When I got back from hospital after three days, I couldn’t do anything. Bryony had to do everything for me and around the house while looking after our new baby. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She was my rock. I felt useless, but when your hand is damaged it affects every part of your life and there is nothing you can do.”
The financial strain mounted quickly as he was unable to work. Initially, his former employers offered him £150,000 to resolve the matter. Pawson rejected this offer and instead pursued a legal claim through Express Solicitors. This decision initiated a four-year legal battle. Eventually, the case concluded with an undisclosed seven-figure payout.
This settlement provided the means for Pawson to acquire advanced bionic prosthetics from America. These devices have been vital in helping him adapt to his new circumstances. He has also transitioned into a teaching role, where he now instructs construction students at the same college where he once trained.
He emphasizes the importance of safety on building sites, stating, “I would say to anyone working on a building site to double-check every machine before you use it. It’s just not worth the risk.”
Reflecting on the experience, Pawson highlights the personal toll the incident took on him, especially regarding his inability to hold his baby. He notes that he has had to undergo a long process of retraining his hands to perform basic tasks.
He says, “My life has changed in every way imaginable. It shouldn’t have happened, and I am paying the price forever for that rushed job that my boss had me do.” Despite the hardships, he now has access to ongoing prosthetic support and has managed to build a new career path.
He says, “Now I have got access to the latest prosthetics from America for the rest of my life, which helps me to live as normal a life as possible. I have also got a new career and my life is back on track.”
Published: Oct 30, 2026 11:15 am