A police officer who suffered back and knee injuries as a result of catching a man
in Birmingham city centre has decided to sue the police force he worked for for compensation it has been announced. Thousands of people in the UK suffer accidents and injuries whilst at work each year through no fault of their own.
Richard Gardener had been working as a policeman for twelve years when the events took place. He suffered injuries to his knees and his back during a struggle when he was trying to apprehend the man in Birmingham city centre.
Mr Gardener required several different operations on his knees after and he then had to stay off work for a number of weeks in order to allow himself to recover from the injuries he had sustained. The incident has left him with permanently weakened knees now.
After several attempts were made by Mr Gardener in order to return to his job he claims that his employers made no allowances for his injuries and his permanent weakness in his knees. As a result of his employers failure to help him he was left unable to work and forced to resign from his post.
Mr Gardener has said that he, 'was accused of not telling the truth about my injuries and attempts were made to get me back to work although I was totally unfit, I believe there was a manipulation by the police and the medical process in assessing my condition.'
Mr Gardener claims he tried to compromise with his old employers by suggesting they cut his hours down or allow him to undertake lighter duties in order to help. He has stated that no attempts were made to accommodate him or ease the situation.
The police force Mr Gardener used to work for are now disputing his claim for compensation. The case is now awaiting a decision.