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Specialists In Needlestick Injury Claims
Read our comprehensive guide to learn how we can support you throughout the needlestick injury claims process.
£85 million in compensation
Specialists In Needlestick Injury Claims
Read our comprehensive guide to learn how we can support you throughout the needlestick injury claims process.
How Much Compensation For A Needle Stick Injury?
Needlestick injuries can have profound consequences for those who suffer from them, potentially leading to the transmission of severe, lifelong bloodborne viruses. They can also cause significant psychological trauma and increased anxiety. Unfortunately, this physical and emotional toll can be exacerbated by the financial fallout of a needlestick injury, especially if you’ve been left unable to work after your injury. At a time when recovery should be your primary focus, you don’t have to face pursuing compensation alone. We are here to help, and one of our solicitors can guide you through the needlestick injury claims process, providing the support you need to move forward.
We understand that personal injury compensation can’t change what happened, but it can help provide financial relief and fund your recovery over the long term. Here at JF Law, we believe every claimant matters. Whether you want to get started with your claim today or would like to learn more about the services our solicitors offer, our advisors are here to explore your options.
Contact Us
To be connected with one of our friendly advisors, you can:
- Calling us on 0151 375 9916
- Contacting us using our online form
Can I Make A Claim For A Needlestick Injury?
You can make a needlestick injury compensation claim if it can be shown that you were harmed through the negligent actions (or inaction) of a third party, such as an employer. This involves showing:
- A third party owed you a duty of care (essentially, the legal obligation to take steps to protect your safety)
- They breached this duty
- Their breach led to you suffering a needlestick injury
These combined amount to negligence, which forms the basis of all compensation claims.
Besides the matter of establishing negligence, you will also need to ensure that you file your needlestick injury claim within the applicable limitation period. Generally, this is 3 years from the date of the incident, but the timeframe may vary. Our limitation period guide provides detailed information on this and time limits in general.
Below, we examine the concept of a duty of care in more detail and its application in various settings.
Workplace Needlestick Injury Claims
Generally, workplace needlestick injury claims can be pursued in situations where an employee has been hurt as a direct result of a negligent employer. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure your safety, health, and well-being. This is their duty of care, which might be met by providing staff with adequate training and appropriate personal protective equipment where necessary.
Needlestick Injuries In A Public Place
Responsibility for needlestick injuries sustained in a public place can lie with the occupier in control of a space. Here, the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 (OLA) establishes a duty of care to take all practical steps to ensure visitors are kept reasonably safe.
Needlestick Injury Medical Negligence Claims
You can start the needlestick injury medical negligence claims process if it can be shown that you suffered unnecessarily due to receiving substandard care from a healthcare professional. As a patient, all medical professionals are obligated to provide care that meets the minimum expected standard. This is the duty of care that applies to both professionals, such as doctors and nurses, and facilities like hospitals.
Essentially, it must be demonstrated that:
- A medical professional owed you a duty of care
- They did not meet this duty
- Their breach led to you being avoidably harmed
Our solicitors have guided clients through the claims process in cases nationwide, and one of them could use their expertise and knowledge to help you next. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and determine if you are eligible to make a claim.
What Are Needlestick Injury Claims?
Needlestick injury claims are the legal process for seeking compensation for harm caused by syringes or other sharp objects piercing the skin due to the negligent actions (or inaction) of a third party. This type of claim can be made for needlestick injuries sustained at work, in public, or in medical settings, as we will show below:
Accident At Work Needlestick Injuries
Often, accident at work needlestick injuries happen because of poor training, improper disposal methods, or a lack of personal protective equipment. For example:
- Whilst working as a refuse collector, you are pricked on the wrist by a used needle that had not been disposed of properly. This results from you being given gloves that were unsuitable for your line of work, as they didn’t fully cover your wrists. The injury leaves you with long-term anxiety and a severe infection.
- Your employer asks you to empty a sharps bin, despite not providing you with PPE or training on safe handling and disposal. Subsequently, you are poked with a used needle and contract Hepatitis C.
Public Place Needlestick Injuries
Cases of needlestick injuries in public places may arise from inadequate cleaning, the absence of warning signs, or a failure to properly dispose of sharps. This may lead to scenarios like the following:
- The council has received several reports that discarded syringes are present at a popular fitness spot in a park. However, no action is taken to collect and dispose of the needles. You subsequently land on one of them while exercising, causing a Hepatitis B infection that leads to vision loss.
- Train station management fails to conduct regular inspections to identify potential hazards. This leads to discarded needles accumulating near public toilets. You are subsequently pricked by a used needle when you bend down to retrieve your dropped phone, resulting in you developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Medical Negligence Needlestick Injuries
Needlestick injuries may result from medical negligence due to substandard hygiene practices or the improper disposal of sharps. That can lead to serious unnecessary harm for patients, such as:
- A nurse fails to check whether the needle they are using is new. This results in them reusing a needle, resulting in you suffering a bloodborne infection that leaves you with life-threatening sepsis.
- Due to a lack of training, a nurse leaves a tray full of used needles on a table next to your hospital bed. You are unaware of this, causing you to prick your hand. As a result, you are left in considerable distress and suffer long-term liver damage after contracting Hepatitis B.
These examples are by no means exhaustive, and our advisors are here to listen to the specifics of your case. So, please get in touch with us today to explore how we can help you start the needlestick injury claims process.
What Illnesses Could Develop After A Needlestick Injury?
A needlestick injury could cause several bloodborne illnesses to develop, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Let’s take a look at these conditions in more detail:
- Hepatitis B – an infection of the liver causing high temperatures, nausea, jaundice and hives. Hepatitis B can last anywhere between 1 and 3 months, but it can become chronic if left untreated or if it persists for longer than 6 months.
- Hepatitis C – a virus that can infect the liver. This bloodborne illness may become life-threatening, leading to permanent liver damage and loss of function. Some symptoms include stomach ache, nausea, and constantly feeling tired.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – impacts the cells that make up your immune system, essentially weakening your immune system, causing an increased risk of serious illness.
Moreover, needlestick injuries can lead to tetanus or bacterial infections if your skin is punctured. We recognise that needlestick injuries affect everyone differently, and our solicitors tailor their support accordingly. If you’d like to share the specific details of what happened to you, please get in touch for a free case check today.
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I Was Injured By A Needlestick, Why Is It Important To Seek Medical Attention?
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are injured by a needlestick, as this ensures the risk of contracting bloodborne viruses is promptly assessed and managed. Timely medical evaluations can significantly reduce the risk of infection in the case of Hepatitis and HIV, as well as ensure you get any necessary follow-up care.
While your health is your primary concern, consulting with a medical professional will also create an official record documenting your needlestick injury and its impact. This can act as supporting evidence in your claim, which we could use when creating a strong body of evidence.
Get in touch with our advisors to learn more about the next steps you can take.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For Injuries From Needles?
The amount of compensation you could get for injuries from needles may depend on their severity, their long-term impact on your daily life, and whether they lead to financial loss. Nevertheless, all claims are judged on their own merits, so settlements vary on a case-by-case basis.
Compensation in successful claims can be made up of general and special damages.
- General damages are concerned with the physical and psychological impacts caused by your needlestick injury. These damages can account for the pain, suffering and any impact on your daily life.
- On the other hand, special damages are compensation for the financial losses incurred as a result of your injuries. We discuss this further in our section below.
When calculating general damages, professionals can refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document provides guideline brackets of compensation for specific injury types and severities.
We have provided a table below with brackets sourced from the JCG. Please be aware that the top entry has not been taken from the JCG, and that they don’t guarantee any payouts for needlestick injury claims.
| Harm | Notes | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Forms of Harm + Special Damages | Special damages may encompass professional care costs, medical expenses, and lost income | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Total Blindness | Severe – total loss of eyesight | In the Region of £327,940 |
| Kidney | Severe (a) – serious and permanent harm or loss of both kidneys | £206,730 – £256,780 |
| Psychiatric Damage | Severe (a) – the injured person’s ability to deal with life, education or work will be considered | £66,920 – £141,240 |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Severe (a) – prevents the injured person from working or functioning beyond the pre-trauma level | £73,050 – £122,850 |
| Digestive Damage from Non-Traumatic Injury | Severe toxicosis causing acute pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, requiring hospital admission | £46,900 – £64,070 |
| Kidney | Serious (c) – loss of one kidney with no damage to the other | £37,550 – £54,760 |
| Total Loss of Taste and Smell | Full loss of both taste and smell | In the Region of £47,810 |
| Loss of Smell | Complete loss of smell | £30,500 – £40,150 |
| Serious Injury to the Thumb | Nerve damage or a fracture requiring the insertion of wires | £15,370 – £20,460 |
Our friendly advisors are available now to discuss compensation in more detail. By getting in touch, you can also benefit from our free case assessment service.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
Can Needlestick Injury Claims Compensate For Financial Losses?
As touched on, needlestick injury claims can compensate for financial losses that directly result from the harm suffered. These financial losses can form a significant portion of your compensation payout, depending on the extent of your lost earnings and out-of-pocket expenses, including for private medical treatments and carers.
Below are some examples of special damages. Please keep in mind that losses can only be claimed if there is evidence, such as receipts, payslips, and bank statements.
Lost Earnings
Needlestick injuries can leave you unable to work, potentially leading to significant lost earnings. You may also face reduced earning capacity and lose out on workplace benefits, which special damages can consider.
Medical Costs
Any associated medical costs, such as ongoing private treatment or prescriptions, can be considered if they result from your needlestick injury. For instance, you may need long-term specialist care and medication if you contract HIV or Hepatitis.
Costs of Care
The cost of care can be significant if a needlestick injury impacts your ability to live independently. This type of injury can have significant physical and psychological consequences, requiring day-to-day assistance from family or professional carers.
These aren’t the only expenses that can be claimed back within special damages: costs related to travel, therapy, and rehabilitative support can all be accounted for. Contact us today to learn more about needlestick injury compensation.
What Do I Need To Prove A Needlestick Injury Was Someone Else’s Fault?
You will need your medical records, copies of any incident reports made, and photographic evidence to prove that a needlestick injury was someone else’s fault. This evidence should clearly show how a third party’s negligent actions or inactions led to you being harmed.
Typically, evidence can include:
- An accident report book
- A copy of your medical records, including notes on the tests and treatments you’ve needed because of your needlestick injury
- Witness details if anyone is able to provide a statement to your solicitor about the incident that led to your injury
- CCTV footage of the accident, if you believe it was caught on camera
Compiling these documents can seem daunting, but you wouldn’t have to gather this evidence alone. With the support of a solicitor from JF Law, you would get all the assistance you need to obtain proof for your claim. You can find out more by chatting with one of our friendly advisors.
Can I Claim For Needlestick Injury Compensation With JF Law?
Yes, you can claim for needlestick injury compensation with one of our specialist solicitors here at JF Law. They are committed to providing expert, compassionate support in every case they take on and work on a No Win No Fee basis through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This type of arrangement comes with many benefits for claimants, namely:
- No upfront solicitor fees
- No payments in solicitor fees to progress your claim
- No solicitor fees if your claim were to fail
With this said, our solicitors do deduct a percentage of the compensation in successful needlestick injury claims. This is their success fee, and the percentage is capped in accordance with the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013. So, you can start the claims process with the knowledge that you’ll receive the bulk of the compensation.
In addition to the advantages that come with CFAs, working with one of our solicitors here at JF Law will give you access to support tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. That means you can expect:
- Clear, empathetic communication so you aren’t left feeling unheard or unsure about what is happening with your claim.
- Your well-being will be your solicitor’s main priority. Not only will they take the time to understand your needs, but they will also work to ensure you get the specialist help you require now and in the long term
- Help with gathering any supporting documents for your case and piece it together into a compelling case for compensation
- Explaining complex legal terminology and processes
- Communicating on your behalf with the other relevant parties and the courts
- Advocating tirelessly to achieve a settlement that is reflective of the harm you suffered
Contact Our No Win No Fee Solicitors
To speak with one of our dedicated advisors and take your first steps to claiming, please contact us using the details below:
- Call us on 0151 375 9916
- Contact us using our online form
Learn More
Why not learn more about personal injury claims by reading our guides about:
- How to make a knee injury claim
- Claiming compensation for a serious injury
- Navigating the soft tissue injury claim process
Useful external resources:
- How to manage a return to work after a period of sickness
- Government guidance on needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
- Information on bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers
Thank you for reading our guide on needlestick injury claims.
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