Stockton grandad lost leg after forklift ran over him at work

Shaun McCarthy, 54, from Stockton, was working at a furniture supplier in Thornaby when the incident happened in May last year.

The forklift hit him, leaving him with leg fractures and severe skin injuries, leaving doctors having to amputate his right leg above the knee.

Mr McCarthy said: “The day of the incident turned my life upside down.

“I went to work as normal and everything changed in a heartbeat.”

Shaun McCarthy with his Middlesbrough-themed prosthetic leg. (Image: SHAUN MCCARTHY)

The father of five and grandad of nine was taken to James Cook University Hospital and spent more than four weeks there recovering.

The helicopter landing pad at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. (Image: NQ)

He can’t work, uses a wheelchair and has been sleeping in his living room.

Support charity Day One Trauma Support introduced Mr McCarthy to law firm Irwin Mitchell, who secured interim payments to fund specialist rehabilitation and support while his legal claim continues.

Alan Ball, a workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Shaun suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision that will affect him and his family for the rest of their lives.

“Understandably, the last 10 months and trying to come to terms with the physical and emotional impact of what happened has been incredibly difficult for him.”

He has been going to rehabilitation in Sheffield since October 2025.

He has also been given a custom prosthetic leg and rehab equipment to help him recover and stay independent.

Shaun McCarthy with his Middlesbrough-themed prosthetic leg. (Image: SHAUN MCCARTHY)

He said: “My life has massively changed.

“I try not to dwell on things, and I want to stay positive for my children and grandchildren, but some days are hard.

“I know I still have a long way to go but I’m determined to regain more of my independence.”

Sue Hodgson, head of hospital services at Day One Trauma Support, said: “Shaun’s story highlights just how suddenly a serious injury can change lives, and the long, often complicated road to recovery that so many people face.”

This month he is sharing his story for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to highlight support for others with life-changing injuries.