Unite member compensated after suffering knee injury at work
Unite member, Carole Gray, has secured compensation following an accident at work. Carole, who was employed as a Ward Receptionist at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, injured her knee when she slipped on a pile of patient notes on the floor.
Over the course of the week, Carole’s knee got badly swollen and she underwent an x-ray and MRI scan to investigate. An MRI scan revealed that the cartilage in her knee had been significantly torn.
She was referred for a course of physiotherapy and required steroid injections in her knee for the pain. However, this did not alleviate her symptoms and she had to undergo an operation to repair the damage.
Carole approached Unite Legal Services to see if an accident at work claim could be made on her behalf. Investigations revealed that no risk assessment had taken place and patient records were regularly piled on the floor of the records department.
Doncaster Royal Infirmary admitted breach of duty, however contributory negligence was alleged. The case settled prior to proceedings and Carole received £13,243 in compensation for her injuries and loss of earnings.
Carole said: “I’m lucky that I had the backing of my union Unite to make sure that my employer was held to account for what has happened to me.”
Karen Reay, North East, Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary 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 her membership, Unite Legal Services was able to provide her access to specialist injury solicitors. Not only did she access professional and compassionate support, but her membership meant she received 100 per cent of her compensation.”
