Cases for compensation are judged individually and the amount paid to the victim depends on the specifics of the case. Varying factors are taken into account, including the severity of the injury. Therefore, detailed medical records are needed for a thorough assessment of the case. It is important to have an experienced and professional solicitor to help you with your case, somebody who will be able to assess what your claim is worth and will fight for your best interests and maximum compensation.
A former intensive care nurse has accepted an out-of-court settlement of £800,000 after suffering a back injury at work. This back injury settlement is one of the biggest settlements of its kind. The male nurse injured his back lifting a patient at a hospital in London. The patient weighed 12 stone but there was no mechanical hoist available so two members of staff lifted the patient themselves. The nurse in question had previously suffered a back injury lifting another patient but this second injury tore a disc in his lower vertebrae. This injury left him in intense pain and he had to leave nursing. He tried other jobs but had urinal problems and found it difficult to dress himself, bathe or drive and so had to stop working. He said, “I loved my job and would give anything to go back to it. The NHS is desperate for ICU nurses, but I must put it in the back of my mind – I’ll never work as a nurse again.” The Royal College of Nursing stated that the hospital had not provided adequate training on lifting and failed to provide the correct equipment. The hospital admitted negligence and offered the settlement payout, which will pay for specialised equipment and will help to provide a source of income for coming years.
Back injuries occur as a result of damage, wear, or trauma to the bones, muscles, or other tissues of the back. There are a variety of common back injuries which include relatively minor injuries such as sprains and strains, to more severe injuries like herniated disks, and fractured vertebrae.
It is estimated that as much as 49% of the population of the UK will suffer from back pain for at least one day in any one year. The majority of these will be relatively minor lower back pain caused by a pulled muscle and inflammation which can be treated using pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
More severe back injuries are likely to occur as a result of an accident or incident where there is trauma to the back. There are many different scenarios which may result in back injuries such as road accidents, lifting or carrying heavy items, falling from a height, slips or trips and as a result of faulty products.
Compensation payments in back injury settlements are often essential in bringing financial security and helping to pay for any specialised equipment, accommodation and care that may be needed.