Carpenter whose thumb was crushed at work awarded £217,000 in damages

Oliver Kilbey has denied exaggerating his suffering after his thumb was squashed at work

A carpenter whose thumb was squashed at work has been awarded £217,000 in damages after claims he was exaggerating his injuries were rejected.

Oliver Kilbey, 23, said he endured constant pain and psychiatric issues after masonry fell on his right thumb during a 2014 project.

He faced allegations that he was a “malingerer”, with social media posts of him socialising used to suggest he was exaggerating his pain.

However, Judge Michael Yelton ruled Catford resident Mr Kilbey’s claim for damages was “honest and genuine” and dismissed the dishonesty allegations against him as “unfounded”.

Mr Kilbey’s former employers, Arien Contractors Ltd, of Sidcup in Kent, must pay £217,000 in damages and settle his legal bill of £150,000.

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