A farm worker is set to receive up to £500,000 after a charging bullock knocked him over and landed on him.

Vernon Wheatley, 45, said he had been in constant pain and had attempted suicide since the accident at Lower Stoneham Farm, Lewes, in April 1996.

The father of four, who has used crutches since the accident, said doctors told him he would never walk properly again.

His former employers, who deny liability, agreed to pay 95 per cent of Mr Wheatley's claim before the start of a hearing at the High Court.

An amount is still being assessed but Mr Wheatley's solicitor, Mark Hadrill, estimates it could be up to £500,000.

Mr Wheatley, of South Chailey, near Lewes, said: "It may seem like a lot of money but I have lost everything. I have been outside with animals all my life. Now all I can do is sit and try to cope with the pain.

"My three-year-old granddaughter has never known me without my crutches and leg brace. She thinks it is normal, which really hurts."

Mr Wheatley worked for farm owner David Monnington, who has since died.

Mr Wheatley said he had suffered a breakdown since the accident, which happened when he and Mr Monnington's son Richard were sorting Limousin bullocks in a yard.

One of the bullocks charged at him and knocked him into the air.

He said: "It came towards me and I knew I was not going to get out of the way in time.

"I was knocked in the air and the animal landed on top of me. I managed to look at my leg and saw it was bending completely the wrong way."

Cartilage and ligaments in his right leg were ripped and part of the knee joint was destroyed, he said.

Richard Monnington was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr Monnington also agreed to pay £3,000 to Andrew Seeley, of Lustrells Vale, Saltdean, who suffered two broken fingers when he was kicked by another bullock.