A judge has ruled that a fireman should be awarded compensation in a case that could be significant for emergency services staff all over the UK.

David Callaghan suffered a fall at work in 2002 which caused severe arthritis and doctors said his condition was such that he should receive a payout to cover lost earnings and care.

However, lawyers for the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority argued that Mr Callaghan had a hip condition prior to his accident and as such, should not be eligible for damages.

In a new development, Lord Justice Tuckey has quashed the arguments and said that compensation should only be ruled out where symptoms of a previous condition are exactly the same as those caused by the accident.

Mr Callaghan’s legal representative said: "Given the physical nature of fire fighting and police work this distinction is very important as people who work in these professions are more likely to be injured whilst at work."

Although employers are not expected to eliminate every risk in the workplace, they have a responsibility to implement measures to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Anyone hurt at work in an accident that was not their fault should seek legal advice.