A FOREIGN worker, who turned down $22,000 in workmen's compensation in hope of getting a bigger amount, has lost his case and was ordered to pay costs, which could amount to $100,000.

Judge of Appeal Chao Hick Tin on Wednesday dismissed the appeal by Mr Mohammad Wahiduzzaman Abdul Jalil Biswas against the decision of a district court that the companies he sued were not liable for his injury.

The 42-year-old Bangladeshi national, who came here in 2001, was working as a rigger for Ta-Ching Civil Construction at the Sembawang Shipyard when he claimed he was injured on Aug 16, 2004.

He was helping to coordinate lifting of large pipes by crane when a load descended on him and he hurt his left hand trying to deflect it.

The shipyard and his employer admitted that an accident happened but on Sept 6, injuring Mr Mohammad Wahiduzzaman's finger.

Workmen's compensation was offered but he objected to the assessment and turned it down. He sued Ta-Ching, the shipyard and associated company SMOE, and Tiong Woon Crane for negligence in allowing the accident to happen.

He was hoping to get up to $250,000 but his plan backfired.

After a three-day trial last year, District Judge Tan May Tee was doubtful any accident had occurred on Aug 16.

She found Mr Mohammad Wahiduzzaman to be an untruthful witness whose evidence was incredible and fraught with inconsistencies.

Representing Ta-Ching and the first three companies, Mr K. Anparasan said that there was no reason why the four companies would want to collude and conceal the accident when they were all covered by insurance.

Mr Mohammad Wahiduzzaman has returned to Bangladesh.

The costs he has to pay will be for the trial and the appeal.