A MAN who was seriously injured in an accident at work is suing his former employers for more than half-a-million-pounds - claiming the incident had a "profound impact" on his life.

Francis Murphy's bid to claim £683,701.17 in damages from Dunbia (UK) Highland Meats is ongoing after it was judged that it was "unlikely" that he would work again following the accident.

The company owns abattoirs throughout the UK, including a meat processing factory in Blakely Road, Saltcoats, however, the exact details of the accident - such as where and when it took place, and the extent of Mr Murphy's injuries - have not been disclosed, as the case is still active.

In a written statement published earlier this month following a Court of Session hearing in Edinburgh, a motion from Mr Murphy's representatives to secure £30,000 in interim damages was thrown out.

Mr Murphy has already received a £40,000 voluntary payment, while an award of £10,000 in interim damages was also made in April this year.

The judgement, from Lord Lake, said: "The principal issues at the hearing were whether when taken with the sums already paid the sum sought was more than a reasonable proportion of the damages that might be recovered by the pursuer and whether there had been a change of circumstances since the date of the previous award, giving rise to an entitlement for the pursuer to make a further motion.

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"I refused the motion on the basis that there had been no such change of circumstances."

The court opinion stated that a doctor had recommended Mr Murphy undergoes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions as treatment for the "psychological consequences" of the accident.

In a statement, Mr Murphy said: “The accident had a profound impact on my life and right now I need to focus on my ongoing treatment so I don’t wish to discuss anything while my case is ongoing.

“However I would like to thank all my friends and family for their support but for now I wish for my privacy to respected as I focus on the future.”

Darrell Kaye, partner at Mr Murphy's solicitors Digby Brown in Ayr, said: “We acknowledge the opinion issued by the court however as the case is still ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Dunbia, a division of Dawn Meats, is described as "one of Europe's leading food companies" on its website, and Princess Anne visited Saltcoats in March to officially open the upgraded facilities at the firm's sole Scottish plant.

The company has been approached for comment.

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