David Hargreaves, 44, has demanded the sum from Barratt Developments after the accident on June 27, 2005.

He stepped down from his lorry on to an uneven surface, lost his balance, and fractured his right ankle, according to a High Court writ.
The lorry driver says the accident happened after Barratt Developments staff told him to park his vehicle in a particular spot for scaffolding to be unloaded.

Mr Hargreaves blames the company for the accident on a Sandholme construction site and says he will be unable to continue in his job, and will suffer a life long loss of earnings.

His claim for damages totals £997,744 and includes future lost earnings of £480,500, £150,300 for special footwear, £30,000 for loss of enjoyment and £184,350 for home help.

Mr Hargreaves, of Castle Road, Scarborough, had spent 25 years in the army and was a fit and active man, enjoying running and playing with his children. Now he says he will have problems climbing stairs and, although he will be able to work, his jobs are likely to be more precarious.

He further claims that, due to his wife's being disabled, he is responsible for household and shopping tasks and will now be unable to carry out his usual DIY tasks.


He brands the company negligent and claims he was allowed to work in an unsafe and foreseeably dangerous workplace, told to carry out his work in a forseeably dangerous specific location and not given a suitable safe workplace.

Mr Hargreaves says he continues to suffer pain, restricted movements and post traumatic osteoarthritis in his ankle, having to wear special shoes for the rest of his life.

Mr Hargreaves had to take 14 weeks off work due to his injuries and fears that he will now find himself out of work many times in the future.

The writ was issued by Berrys, of Blackpool.