Farm Attendant Seeks $500,000 Settlement After Robbery Shooting in Trinidad

Neil Letren, a 37-year-old farm attendant, is pursuing a $500,000 pre-litigation settlement from his employer after being shot during a robbery at a chicken farm in east Trinidad. The incident occurred on March 10 while Letren was on duty, and his attorney, Richard Jaggasar, alleges that the company failed to provide a safe work environment.

According to the pre-action protocol letter sent to the company's general manager on May 23, Letren was shot in the back when he interrupted a robbery at the farm. The bullet caused a fracture to his rib and spine, resulting in a diagnosis of 10% permanent partial disability.

Jaggasar claims that the farm had experienced frequent robberies, including a break-in in January and an incident in February where a night worker was held at gunpoint by seven men stealing chickens. Despite Letren's requests for flood lights, armed security, and a K9 officer on site during the night shift, each request was denied.

Why this matters: This case highlights the importance of workplace safety and the responsibilities of employers to provide a secure environment for their employees. If employers are not held accountable for negligence, it could lead to a lack of investment in safety measures, putting more workers at risk of injury or harm.

The attorney argues that the company was negligent in failing to secure the safety of its workers by not hiring security guards on the compound. He cited several cases of personal injury on the job, stating, "an employer is required not merely to warn the employee against unusual danger, but to make the place of employment so safe that the exercise of reasonable skill and care would permit."

Since the incident, Letren has had to request sick leave payment from the National Insurance Board. The company allegedly informed him that he would have to repay the money being paid to him while on sick leave after he receives his NIS payments.

The company has been given 14 days to respond to the pre-action protocol letter. If no agreement is reached, Jaggasar plans to file a personal injury claim for compensation on behalf of his client.

This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety and the responsibilities employers have in ensuring a secure environment for their employees.

Key Takeaways

• Neil Letren, 37, seeks $500,000 settlement from employer after being shot during robbery at chicken farm.
• Letren was shot in the back, causing 10% permanent partial disability, during a robbery the farm had failed to prevent.
• Employer allegedly denied requests for flood lights, armed security, and K9 officer despite prior robberies.
• Attorney argues employer was negligent in failing to provide a safe work environment, citing prior cases of personal injury.
• Company has 14 days to respond to pre-action protocol letter before a personal injury claim is filed.