Can I claim compensation for hand cut from nail on a wooden pallet? I have been receiving splinters from wooden pallets for a while, but I was recently injured by a nail — resulting in infection.
You may claim compensation for hand cut from nail on a wooden pallet if it can be determined that your employer was not complying with health and safety regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided a guidance note (PM15) in order to instruct employers and contractors in the safe handling of pallets. This involves how to safely manage, use, maintain and inspect pallets, and states that they should be of British Standard BS ISO 6780.
You may be thereby entitled to compensation for hand cut from nail on a wooden pallet if it can be determined that you have received an injury from a faulty wooden pallet because you have not received adequate protection gear from your employer. In this situation, your employer would have failed in their requirement to provide you with a safe environment in which to work, and may be liable for your injury.
Immediately after an injury you should seek medical assistance, not only to reduce the likelihood of your injury becoming worse but also to ensure that any compensation claim is not damaged by your failure to seek care for your injuries. It is important not to rely on first aid provided at the scene of the accident or on tending to your own wounds upon returning home, and to seek professional medical attention. It is also important to record your accident in the Accident Report Book of your employer, which can later be used as evidence in a claim if necessary.
Only when this has been done should you seek a personal injury lawyer who can determine whether your claim is worth pursuing and the amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.
Your injury claim to compensation for hand cut from nail on a wooden pallet will be greatly strengthened if your colleagues can verify that the risk of injury from the pallets in your workplace is high. Indeed, if other colleagues have received similar injuries they too may initiate claims for their accidents, which may force your employer to reconsider the safety precautions (or lack thereof) which you are currently working under.
In any case, it is important to first engage the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer before pursuing legal action against your employer, and ensure that you receive high-quality and professional legal representation.