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Needlestick Injury Claims

 

Needlestick injuries are hugely distressing and can have serious consequences for your health.  If you’ve had a needlestick accident at work, we could help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to.

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Needlestick Injury Claims


Needlestick injuries are painful and incredibly stressful. In many cases, they only happen because of employer negligence.

 

Suffering an accident at work can be devastating to your health and the rest of your life. If you can’t work, you might be wondering how you’ll pay your bills and take care of your family. You might also worry about the effects of making a claim against your employer.

 

At Work Accident Claims, we are specialists who know the law and can help you get back on your feet. We can help you cover any loss of earnings you’ve experienced while avoiding any negative consequences.

 

Get in touch today to find out how we can take the stress out of making an accident at work claim.

What is a needlestick injury?

Needlestick injuries can happen if a ‘sharp’ or needle accidentally goes through the skin.  If, for example, the needle has taken infected blood and it accidentally pierces someone’s skin, the infection could be transmitted to that person.

 

Who is at risk from a needlestick injury?

 

Hospital workers are particularly vulnerable to this kind of accident from:

 

  • Incorrectly disposing of used needles
  • Defective equipment
  • Lack of protective clothing or equipment
  • Fatigue after doing long hours

 

The NHS will likely have a needle stick injury protocol, with which you should familiarise yourself. The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 (pdf) also apply to the healthcare sector.

 

Other workers at risk are:

  • Prison officers
  • Tattooists
  • Cleaners
  • Refuse workers

 

Your employers are responsible for your protection under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

  • EMPLOYEE SAFETY

    Your claim will be against the insurer, not the business. As such you are protected and cannot be dismissed for making a claim.

  • DUTY OF CARE

    By making a claim you are helping to build a safer workplace for your colleagues in the future. Protecting your employers from future claims.

  • INTERIM PAYMENTS

    Our work accident specialists will talk to you about the help available to ease the financial burdens you may have whilst you are recovering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would be the first thing to do if you sustained a sharps injury?

You need to apply first aid as soon as you can. The NHS recommends:

  • Encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water
  • Wash the wound using plenty of soap – do not scrub it
  • Do not suck the wound
  • Dry the wound and cover it with a plaster or dressing

If the injury has happened at work, report it to your employer and occupational health.  You may need blood tests, to make sure you have not been infected by contaminated blood, such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. You may also need to be prescribed medication to prevent infection.

Why make a needlestick compensation claim?

As well as the initial shock of it happening, there is the subsequent bleeding, pain and swelling.  There may also be the added stress of worrying whether the needle contained contaminated blood that could infect you.

Making a claim not only highlights any professional or clinical negligence, it can also ease the financial worries of treatment, time off work, counselling, hospital visits and general recovery. Find out more about making a claim here.

How much compensation will I receive for a needlestick injury claim?

That depends on the nature and severity of your injury, the recovery time and whether there is any lasting damage.  Medical reports will be used to help assess this.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Generally speaking, a personal injury claim should be made within three years of the date of the accident. The rules for industrial diseases are slightly different but get in touch and we’ll be able to advise you on your particular circumstances.

I think I have a claim, what do I do next?

You can call us, request a call back or complete our enquiry form. Our claims advisors will discuss your situation and help you work out whether you have a claim.

Speaking to us initially is free and you are under absolutely no obligation to make a claim unless you are happy to go ahead.