A FATHER left almost completely blind in one eye in a horrific workplace accident has received a six-figure compensation payout.

Duane Scholes, 29, was a trainee engineer at Chatburn-based hydraulic equipment manufacturers Lodematic Components Ltd when he was hit in the face by a pressurised hose during a test when a connector catastrophically failed.

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As well as the sight loss, Mr Scholes, was knocked unconscious and suffered a number of facial injuries which required reconstruction surgery in the accident.

As a result of the life-changing injuries the father-of-one, of Avenue Parade, Accrington, has received damages of more than £100,000.

Mr Scholes said: “I was testing hydraulic equipment and the fittings which power it failed under the pressure.

“It hit me in the face, knocked me unconscious for 20 minutes. It also shattered half of my face and caused damage to my eye.

“I was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital and I was in there for eight days.

“I underwent two lots of surgery and I’ve since had extensive appointments for reconstruction surgery.

“I’ve lost 95 per cent vision in my right eye.”

Mr Scholes said he did go back to work as a trainee engineer at Lodematic Components on Pendle Trading Estate following the accident in January 2014 but has recently left to set up his own haulage firm.

The former Accrington Moorland High School pupil has thanked his family, friends, paramedics and doctors for their help with his recovery.

He said: “I’m now a lot better than I was. Things are on the mend. I’m almost done with the whole episode. I am nearly back to normal.

“My solicitor Nick Molyneux sent me to see a therapist and I have had quite a lot of success.

“It’s helped me deal with the changes in my appearance and the loss of confidence. Prior to that I was in quite a low place and was really depressed.

“I still get night terrors but apparently that’s normal and part of the healing process.

“It’s impacted on so many things in my life, such as my driving, sport and other things, but I’ve tried not to let it beat me.

“I am going to use the money to buy a house so I can have security for my family and then I’m going to try and make the rest work for me.

“Without the wonderful support from my family and friends I don’t think I could have gotten to where I am today.

“I would also like to thank the paramedics and doctors for the fantastic treatment they gave me.”

In the aftermath of his accident Mr Scholes undertook a number of fundraising events to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance Service, raising around £5,000. He is planning a sky dive and other vents in the future.

In the aftermath of the accident Lodematic Components was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs, after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the test zone was not segregated or safeguarded and the company had not carried out a risk assessment.

The investigation also highlighted that the test equipment had not been maintained and was not suitable for the task.

Mr Scholes said: “Thanks to the support from my legal team at Farleys, I can finally put this ordeal behind me.

“I am just glad that justice has been achieved and now that Lodematic have admitted their mistakes.

“I just hope they take note and improve their procedures in future.”

A spokesman for Lodematic Components said the safety issues have since been addressed.