A FIREFIGHTER who suffered a career-ending injury at Ilkley Fire Station has won a six-figure compensation pay-out.

Michael Hollings was seriously injured during a training exercise in May 2011 when a 13.5 metre ladder he was using cracked and he fell to the ground.

The top of the ladder, which Mr Hollings was attached to with a harness, landed on a solid fence, leaving him suspended six inches above the ground.

He suffered a comminuted fracture and two dislocated elbows and forearms. His right foot was also fractured and he was concussed.

Two colleagues who were also on the ladder suffered minor injuries.

Mr Hollings, a firefighter with eight years’ experience, had two operations on his arms and had to wear a metal brace for several months.

He was forced to medically retire from his role with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and a second job as an HGV driver.

The 46-year-old continues to have twice-weekly physiotherapy and may have a spinal cord stimulator fitted.

Mr Hollings, a member of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said: "It was a case of learning to adapt and cope. My doctors tell me that I’ll never recover the full range of motion in my arms and I’ve had to put what I call my manual life on hold.

“In the early days, that involved a lengthy rehabilitation process and saying goodbye to two jobs that I loved."

With instructions from the FBU, law firm Thompsons started acting on Mr Hollings' behalf.

It secured an interim payment - which covered lifestyle adaptions, such as buying an automatic car, and access to rehabilitation specialists - before securing a substantial six figure sum from WYFRS.

Mr Hollings said it was still not clear what had caused the accident and praised the FBU for its support.

"My experience has shown me the true value of being a union member. Not only did the FBU fund my case so I had access to free, legal expertise but I also had on-the-ground support from people like my local FBU representative John Rankin.”

FBU assistant general secretary Andy Dark said: "The FBU welcomes the successful outcome of this legal challenge and the compensation awarded to our member Michael Hollings."

Simon Wilson, national co-ordinator of serious injuries at Thompsons, said Mr Hollings suffered a life-changing injury.

"Had the ladder not, by sheer luck, hit the top of the fence and stopped Mr Hollings before he hit the ground, we would be talking about a very different situation," he added.