Hospital Employee Injured in Assault at Work Receives Compensation

8th February 2012

A man suffered several injuries when he was assaulted at work by someone in his care. We pursued a personal injury claim on his behalf and he received compensation.

Correct Procedures Not Followed

Our client works at a hospital which cares for people with acute learning difficulties and behavioural problems. When his personal injury occurred he was a trainee, in the process of completing his probationary period.

His colleague left a service user without any staff supervision, when he should have been under at least one-to-one supervision in accordance with the instructions in his care plan. Our client heard noises coming from the activity room where the service user was and went to investigate. He found the service user had picked up something he should not have been using, so he stepped in to take it from him for safety.

Unfortunately the service user, who has a history of rapid mood swings, became very agitated and attacked our client. He bit both his arms and punched his head and body several times. This caused severe bruising and headaches and our client was left with a small scar when the injuries healed. He also suffered anxiety as a result of the assault.

Personal Injury Claim

The injured employee felt that the incident could have been avoided if the service user’s care plan was followed correctly. He therefore instructed our expert personal injury lawyers to pursue a compensation claim against his employer.

We began the case, putting forward details of the assault and our client’s injuries. His employer admitted liability and made an initial offer of compensation, but we felt that the offer was too low and negotiated for an increase. Our client received £3,500 in damages, which included a sum to cover the costs of his prescriptions and damaged clothing.

Workplace Injuries

If you have been assaulted at work or injured in a workplace accident, and your injury was caused by the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to make an injury claim.

At The Legal Line we specialise in all areas of personal injury and can provide the best possible legal advice on a cost-free, confidential basis. Contact us on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.

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