How can factory workers pursue claims for needle stick injuries in a factory? I recently suffered a needle stick injury in my job after walking on a syringe which had been lying on the ground. Although my injury was minor, the psychological impact of the event has remained and has forced me to leave my job.
Claims for needle stick injuries in a factory may be possible if a claimant is able to prove that their employer was at fault for their accident. It is understandable that the psychological impact of suffering a needle stick injury has persisted – the fear of needles is a common phobia and the thought of suffering an injury like the one you sustained can often fill a person with dread; in some cases – as in yours – sufficiently enough that they are forced to quit their job.
Although claims for needle stick injuries in a factory are rare in companies, they have been known to happen and you may be able to pursue a claim for needle stick factory injury compensation if you can prove that your employer was at fault for your accident. Employers hold a duty of care toward their employees, meaning that they must take precautions to ensure the safety of every staff member while at work. Although it may not have been your employer who dropped the needle on the floor before you stood on it, they may be held responsible if you can prove that their negligence led to your accident.
As part of their duty of care, employers are required to conduct regular safety checks to ensure that employees’ workspaces are as safe as possible. If you can prove that your employer failed to carry out an inspection or take action which may have led to the needle being discovered before you stood on it, you may be eligible to claim compensation for needle stick injury in a factory. CCTV evidence, a log of your employer’s inspections, photos of the scene and witness statements should be gathered to support your claim.
In order to stand the best opportunity of being awarded compensation you should have made your way to the nearest hospital immediately following the accident – bringing the needle with you. When a needle stick injury is suffered, both the injured person and the needle need to undergo tests. This action is vital not just to safeguarding your health – needles can carry any number of viruses and contagions – but it will also allow you to obtain a medical report of your injury which will serve as vital evidence in your claim for needle stick factory injury compensation.
Potential claimants would be well advised to pursue their claim for compensation with the help of a personal injury claims lawyer, especially when a psychological injury is involved. It is understandable that you do not want to dwell on the incident, especially considering it was serious enough that you felt it necessary to leave your job. Claims for needle stick injuries in a factory are always best handled with the help of a lawyer.