Fracture injury case

Alongside UNISON, we supported a healthcare worker - who had to take two months’ sick leave after suffering an injury at work – secure almost £9,000 in compensation.

The member was working on a frailty ward at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield when she was asked by a senior nurse to assist a patient who needed a drink.

Whilst being helped to drink, the patient began to cough and grabbed onto our client’s hand with an agonising grip. Our client called out for assistance, but colleagues were too busy to immediately assist, and she had to wait for someone to become free to come and help loosen the patient’s grip.

The patient’s strength was such that our client suffered a fractured scaphoid bone in her hand which, given the practical nature of her job, meant that she had to take two months off work until her hand had properly healed. While off work, she also struggled with daily activities, such as housework and driving.

With the support of UNISON, Thompsons helped the member secure an out of court settlement of £8,800.

Commenting on her case, our client said: “I’m so grateful for the help of my union, and for them putting me in contact with Thompsons Solicitors. The communication throughout my claim was excellent and their help meant a successful resolution came quickly, allowing me to move on from what has happened.”

Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Our client suffered a painful injury that, had the ward been better staffed, could have been avoided.

“Luckily, as a UNISON member, she was not only able to succeed in her case, but received 100 per cent of her compensation in full.”