|
|||||
Manual Handling Acccident Claims
If you have sustained an injury as a result of handling
heavy objects manually during the course of your employment, within the
last three years, then you may be entitled to make a claim for damages
for compensation against your Employer. The law relating to this type
of accident claim is found within the Manual Handling Regulations and
is enshrined in European law.
TYPES OF LIFTING ACCIDENT CLAIM
· Accidents at work
Manual handling accidents commonly occur when an Employee is asked to
lift an object which is too heavy. The guideline issued for weight limits
is 25kg. If you have been caused to lift an object heavier than that and
you have sustained injury as a direct result, then it is possible for
you to pursue a claim for damages for compensation, by virtue of your
Employer’s breach of statutory duty.
· Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents also occur when an employee is required to manually
handle heavy objects as a routine part of their job, but has not been
shown how to do this safely. If no training has been given then this may
be sufficient grounds for a claim for compensation.
· Industrial Accidents
Accidents and injuries involving manual handling of heavy objects occur
throughout all industries. Accidents occur when no mechanical assistance
is given to employees tasked with manually handling heavy objects. Further,
if any employee is asked to move items when in fact it is more appropriate
for this task to be done by two or more persons then this in itself may
be grounds for a compensation claim.
TYPES OF LIFTING ACCIDENT INJURY
Shoulder Injuries
- Fractured shoulder
More usually known as a broken shoulder. These range from serious displaced
fractures requiring surgical intervention to less serious hairline breaks.
Generally these are treated with a plaster cast and back slab. Recovery
can take between six to twelve weeks and it is possible that the individual
may be left with some residual disability.
- Sprained shoulder
Commonly known as soft tissue or ligament injuries. As with all injuries
the symptoms vary from person to person and damages will be assessed individually
depending on any residual symptoms that may exist.
- Repetitive strain injury
This type of injury is commonly caused by the over use of the shoulder
usually in a workplace environment. The most common examples of this are
factory workers who are tasked with the same repetitive task for hours
at a time with very short breaks. It is possible to suffer from RSI in
most areas of work and it will depend completely on the facts of each
case as to whether or not a claim for compensation will be successful.
Back Injuries
- Upper back injury
The range and consequences of an upper back injury are vast and each claim
will be treated on an individual basis. Awards of compensation differ
significantly from claim to claim and will be assessed based upon the
nature of the back injury and any associated problems that may arise.
- Lower back injury
The range and consequences of a lower back injury are vast and each claim
will be treated on an individual basis. Awards of compensation differ
significantly from claim to claim and will be assessed based upon the
nature of the back injury and any associated problems that may arise.
Arm Injuries
- Fractured arm
More usually known as a broken arm. These range from serious displaced
fractures requiring surgical intervention to less serious hairline breaks.
Generally these are treated with a plaster cast and back slab. Recovery
can take between six to twelve weeks and it is possible that the individual
may be left with some residual disability.
- Sprained arm
Commonly known as soft tissue or ligament injuries. As with all injuries
the symptoms vary from person to person and damages will be assessed individually
depending on any residual symptoms that may exist.
- Repetitive strain injury
This type of injury is commonly caused by the over use of the arm usually
in a workplace environment. The most common examples of this are factory
workers who are tasked with the same repetitive task for hours at a time
with very short breaks. It is possible to suffer from RSI in most areas
of work and it will depend completely on the facts of each case as to
whether or not a claim for compensation will be successful.
- Tendonitis
Tendonitis is often caused by the over use of a tendon and symptoms tend
to occur around the wrist. Examples of this can be caused by writing or
typing and/ or any other manual use. A claim for compensation can be made
if an employer requires a worker to overly use his or her arms for a prolonged
period.
- Carpal tunnel
It is not always clear why Carpel tunnel syndrome occurs. It is thought
that some inflammation develops in a tendon going through the carpel tunnel
which causes swelling. Carpel tunnel syndrome is more common in manual
workers especially if they have a job where they use their wrist a lot
such as scrubbing or wringing.
If you have been involved in an accident which has caused you an injury
as a result of manually handling heavy objects in the workplace, please
complete the Claim Assessment Form. One of our specialist claims solicitors
will contact you to discuss your claim. Please note that all our solicitors
act of a strictly ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis and that the legal
advice is effectively given for free.
 |
|
 |
|||||
|
|
|
|||||
 |
|
 |
