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A title="Unite">Unite member from Nottingham has received nearly £13,000 in compensation after injuring his shoulder while loading pallets.
The member, from Nottingham, was employed at a printing company where he would often use a hand pallet truck to lift and manoeuvre heavy pallets.
He was attempting to manoeuvre a heavy pallet in a confined space, when the pallet truck jarred - wrenching his shoulder and exacerbating an existing rotator cuff injury.
The man needed eight months off work to recover, during which time he received only basic sick pay.
“My shoulder injury really put me off my feet for a while,” he said. “Life in general was difficult for a long time. I could barely lift my arm, so everyday tasks were a huge struggle.
“It stopped me from driving as well, which was really frustrating. I felt I had almost lost my freedom and had to rely on others in order to go anywhere.”
He turned to Unite Legal Services and instructed accident at work specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to investigate a claim for compensation.
Kevin Hepworth, East Midlands regional legal officer at Unite the Union, said: “Regular monitoring of work equipment and employees’ work space can help prevent painful injuries like this.
“We’re pleased that, through his membership, Unite Legal Services was able to provide him access to specialist serious injury solicitors. Not only did he access professional and compassionate support, but his membership meant he received 100 per cent of his compensation.
The member added: “I would recommend anyone joining a trade union. It made the legal process a lot easier for me and their support was invaluable. Thompsons Solicitors was also very helpful - my solicitor was very professional, patient and explained each step of the process to me.”