An Angus offshore worker is suing his former employer for £150,000 after he was hit by a metal hook at work.
Andrew Richard, from Kirriemuir, says he suffered extensive facial injuries on board the Rowan Gorilla V rig on January 20 2012.
A crane was being used to move a crate on to the North Sea rig with Mr Richard, an assistant crane operator at the time, helping to unclip it.
It is understood the 40-year-old had taken one metal hook off and was just about to unclip another when the crane wires suddenly jolted up, sending the hook flying into his face.
Mr Richard who has seven years’ offshore experience was knocked out instantly and is said to have suffered a detached retina in his right eye and a retinal injury in his left.
As a result, his eyesight was affected and he now wears glasses, although it is believed they do not prevent him from suffering regular bouts of double vision.
The ex-army man also claimed damage to his jaw and had dental injuries, which included two fractured teeth.
He has received treatment for them but has been told he will need a tooth implant.
It is also understood that, despite his injuries, he remained on board the rig for over a week at the time and after the incident, spent a year off work.
He has taken his case to the Court of Session in Edinburgh and is suing Rowan Drilling (UK), which is based in Aberdeen.
Quantum Claims solicitors also based in Aberdeen are representing Mr Richard.
The Rowan Gorilla V was built in 1998 and can drill to depths of up to 35,000ft.