A LABOURER who suffered brain damage after a devastating fall from scaffolding at the Glades shopping centre in Bromley has won £500,000 compensation.

Brian Tighe, 54, suffered skull fractures, a broken back and broken ribs when he fell 22 feet while constructing the Glades in December 1989.

His head injuries resulted in severe memory loss and general mental impairment. Mr Tighe is now living in a care home but for much of the past decade he was cared for by his brother Michael who lives in Alderwood Road, Eltham

His counsel, Gerwyn Samuel, said Michael Tighe had taken on his brother's care "in an attempt to avoid him being institutionalised" but his own marriage had suffered in the process.

"For many years they never even had a weekend together," he told the court.

"Michael Tighe was intent on looking after his brother, who really did need full-time care but wasn't getting it from the social services and so the family stepped in," Mr Samuel added.

But Brian Tighe's condition had worsened over the years culminating in his final admission to institutional care.

Mr Tighe was not a trained scaffolder but on the day of the accident was sent aloft to help lower a space heater to the ground with the aid of a rope. While doing so he overbalanced toppling 22 feet to the ground below.

Michael Tighe claimed damages on his brother's behalf, suing former employers, Tarmac Construction Ltd, of Cornwall Terrace, north London.

Mr Samuel told Mr Justice Treacy, a settlement has now been agreed whereby Mr Tighe will receive £500,000 for injuries.

The judge approved the providing of a £48,000 settlement to Michael Tighe as some compensation for his past care and expense.

January 28, 2003 11:00