Midfielder Takes Legal Action Against Club Following Training Ground Injury

St Mirren midfielder John McGinn is taking legal action against his former club following a training ground prank that saw him seriously injured.

The 20-year-old midfielder was spiked in the leg by a training pole after it was thrown at him at a training session at club’s training ground in April. McGinn fell over a training pole before the club captain Stephen Thompson threw another pole while he was on the floor.

As a result of the injury, McGinn was unable to play for the rest of the season and with his contract set to expire, was unable to try and win a new contract or a move to another club.

St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour said: "I can confirm we have received a letter, and we have responded.

"There's not a lot I can say about it because our lawyers are obviously involved with John's solicitors and also our insurers.

"It would be improper for me to make any comment on anything regarding an employee."

Training Ground Injury

Captain and thrower of the pole Stephen Thompson said: It was a stupid prank, something silly, and it ended with John being injured. I can't apologise enough.

“We were doing a drill where, to score goals, we had to dribble between two poles which were sticking in the ground as gates.

“When I got to a set of poles, John tackled me, and one of the poles got stuck between my legs.

“I threw it to the ground behind John, who, by this point, was running away and facing in the other direction.
 
“It wasn't as if I launched it 10 metres like a javelin. He was right next to me; I just hadn't counted on him changing direction when he did.

“It was just horrendous; it was the worst thing I have seen in my life.”

Due to McGinn being under the age of 24 and now being out of contract, if he leaves St Mirren, the Paisley club would be entitled to around £270,000 in training costs with the player coming through the youth ranks at the club.

How Much Could McGinn’s Claim Be Worth?

At Lawford Kidd, we know that no personal injury claims are alike and that every claim can have different costs and different impact on livelihoods. For McGinn, like many injuries, it left him unable to work as well as leaving him seriously injured. Many people when making a personal injury claim, forget that they can be not only compensation for the injuries sustained, but also the loss of any income or damage to property. If you are unable to work or suffer a trauma as a result of an accident that was not your fault, you will be able to make a compensation claim.

When Can You Make A Personal Injury Claim?

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault or caused as a result of recklessness or negligence in the last three years, you will be able to make a compensation claim. If you are injured in a road traffic accident as a result of reckless driving, a slip trip or fall or an accident in the workplace, you will be able to make a claim.

To make a personal injury claim, you will have need to have suffered an injury through no fault of your own. If you have been responsible for your injury or caused the accident, then you will not be able to make a claim.

Employers are not only responsible for their own failings, but also those of other employees. Employers have to ensure employees are working in a safe environment and have a right to protect workers. Where an employer acts negligently or recklessly in ensuring their health and safety obligations, a worker has the right to take legal action.

We understand how stressful launching a personal injury claim can be, but our team aim to make the process and straightforward as possible. If you have been injured through no fault of your own, suffered financial hardship as a result of your injuries or been unable to live a normal life, can you afford to not take legal action?

What Do You Need to Make A Personal Injury Claim?

In order to make a personal injury claim, you need to have been injured through no fault of your own. Our team of solicitors will require as much evidence as possible to build as strong a case and get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our team of solicitors will investigate your claim and work with you to verify your account and create a strong case. To do so we will require as much evidence as possible. Details such as where, when and how the accident occurred. As well as this, any medical reports verifying the extent of your injury as well as proof of loss of earnings could also be beneficial. We will contact those involved in the accident as well as any witnesses to the accident to get first-hand accounts and to establish who is at fault.

Our team of personal injury solicitors are experts in seeking compensation and will inform you of what is needed in order to make a successful personal injury claim.

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