A 20-year-old apprentice electrician has been left with a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a load that fell off a forklift truck several storeys above him.

The incident happened to Liam Hamilton, 20, on February 21 last year while working on Weston Homes' building site off Tayfen Road in Bury St Edmunds.

The company has said it is devastated by the incident and wishes that Mr Hamilton receives all the help and support that he needs to rebuild his life.

Bury Mercury: Liam Hamilton's accident occurred on February 21, 2022.Liam Hamilton's accident occurred on February 21, 2022. (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

Though he was wearing a safety helmet, Mr Hamilton suffered a serious injury and was taken to hospital for emergency brain surgery, spending four days in an induced coma.

Mr Hamilton, who is from Hertfordshire, does not remember the incident.

He was discharged after a month and is being cared for by his parents Melanie and Andy.

"It was then that the severity of what happened slowly started to sink in," he said.

"Before the accident, I was just like a lot of people my age. I enjoyed going out with my friends, watching football, boxing and playing golf.

"However, that's all changed now."

Bury Mercury: Liam Hamilton worries that he will not be able to return to his job as an apprentice electrician.Liam Hamilton worries that he will not be able to return to his job as an apprentice electrician. (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

Mr Hamilton now suffers ongoing cognitive, strength and balance problems, adding that it's been difficult to come to terms with his injuries over the last year.

"While I can't change what's happened, I feel that the least I deserve is answers," he said.

Bury Mercury: Mr Hamilton has instructed workplace injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident.Mr Hamilton has instructed workplace injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident. (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

Workplace injury lawyer Irwin Mitchell has said it has issued High Court proceedings against Weston Homes plc, claiming that the company was responsible for a number of health and safety breaches.

A representative for Weston Homes said: "Weston Homes is devastated by what happened to Liam Hamilton whilst he was working on site at the company's Tayfields development in Bury St Edmunds.

"It is Weston Homes' sincere wish that the matter is speedily resolved and that Liam Hamilton receives all the help and support that he needs to rebuild his life.

"To date, Kennedys have been liaising with Irwin Mitchell on Liam Hamilton's case and Kennedys did not make Weston Homes aware that the legal action had been threatened.

"Weston Homes are deeply frustrated at the length of time the insurers and legal system are taking to get this matter resolved.

"Having been made aware of the situation, we will endeavour to move this as quickly as possible through the legal system.

"Weston Homes' priority is to support Liam Hamilton and we remain in regular contact with his employer regarding his support and his rehabilitation."

They added that the company is working with the Health and Safety Executive as part of their investigations into the incident.