Why is David Gibson suing Southeastern Railways for £1 million?

David Gibson is suing Southeastern Railways for £1 million because he alleges he contracted Covid-19 from his area manager, which led to severe illness including pneumonia, a coma, and the amputation of his leg.

What defense does Southeastern Railways present in the lawsuit?

Southeastern Railways denies liability, stating that their employee, Danny Hackett, did not have symptoms they would associate with Covid-19 beforehand and that the company had adequate safety policies. They also suggest that if Gibson contracted Covid, it was his own fault.

What were the alleged actions of the area manager, Danny Hackett?

Danny Hackett is accused of attending work in July 2021 while unwell and coughing, not wearing a mask, and inviting staff to his office and a Wetherspoons breakfast, allegedly exposing David Gibson to Covid-19.

Home / Crime and Justice / COVID Lawsuit: Manager Loses Leg Over Infected Boss

COVID Lawsuit: Manager Loses Leg Over Infected Boss

3 Feb

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Summary

Manager suing for £1m after allegedly contracting Covid from his boss.
He claims infection led to pneumonia, coma, and leg amputation.
Employer denies blame, arguing illness was the employee's own fault.

COVID Lawsuit: Manager Loses Leg Over Infected Boss

A former railway station manager, David Gibson, is pursuing a £1 million lawsuit against Southeastern Railways, claiming he contracted Covid-19 from his area manager. Gibson alleges that his boss, Danny Hackett, attended work in July 2021 while symptomatic, failing to wear a mask and exhibiting visible signs of illness, including coughing. Gibson contends that this exposure led to a severe Covid-19 infection, resulting in pneumonia, an induced coma, and ultimately the amputation of his leg below the knee due to blood clots.

Gibson, who had worked for Southeastern since 2018, asserts that he took significant precautions to avoid infection, including wearing a mask and maintaining social distance. He claims he felt obligated to attend a meeting in his manager's office, where more than the recommended number of people were present without masks. Following this encounter and a subsequent breakfast where the manager continued to display symptoms, Gibson fell ill and tested positive for Covid-19.