Farmhand hurt by bull awaits payout

A FORMER farmhand is still waiting for compensation for the injuries he suffered after an horrific accident six years ago on a farm near Lewes

Vernon Wheatley, 46, of South Chailey, could receive up to 500,000 in damages but says no money can compensate him for what he has suffered, and will continue to suffer.

He and wife Julie have not been able to properly make love since an angry one-ton bullock knocked him over and sat on him.

'No amount of money will make up for what we have lost,' he said. 'We have never had a honeymoon and it was something I planned to do when the kids had grown up ... but now there is no point.

'I have also been in constant pain since the bull charged me and landed on me.'

The father-of-four has had to use crutches since the accident, and says doctors have told him he will never walk properly again.

His former employers, who denied liability, agreed to pay 95 per cent of his claim before the start of a hearing at the High Court.

An amount is still being assessed but Vernon's solicitors estimate it could be up to 500,000.

Vernon added: 'It may seem like a lot of money but I have lost everything. I have been outside with animals all my life. Now all I can do is sit and try to cope with the pain.'

The disaster happened on April 15, 1996.

'The bull came towards me and I knew I was not going to get out of the way in time. I was knocked in the air and the animal landed on top of me. I managed to look at my leg and saw it was bending completely the wrong way.'

Cartilage and ligaments in his right leg were ripped and part of the knee joint was destroyed.

Vernon continued: 'There has been no settlement. I am still waiting. I can't work and spend half my time in a wheelchair.

'I have been to various hospitals hundreds of times for physiotherapy and medication over the years.'

Said close friend and Ringmer resident Richard Carter: 'Vernon has been waiting six and a half years - stranded because of his injury.

'He is a very brave man. He is in tremendous pain. When he gets the settlement, he can at least get private and specialist treatment for it.

'It is not a lot of money when you consider what he has gone through. And it will be his income for the years to come.'