Call Us
08000 224 224
You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story
26th February 2009
Jacqueline Crowe, 46, from Stanley, in County Durham, was forced to leave her job after the accident at South Moor Hospital, in Stanley.
The UK’s largest public sector union took her claim to Newcastle County Court and the case was settled on the first day of the hearing with Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
Mrs Crowe hurt her neck after trying to move the hospital bed to change the sheets.
The bed brake failed to release, so when she pulled the bed towards her she jarred her back and neck.
She is now suffering from depression and must take strong painkillers every day.
Mrs Crowe said:
“I worked as a nurse for more than 20 years and enjoyed my job.
“Lifting and handling was a large part of my job and I had been trained in the correct techniques.
“However, the bed’s brake was faulty and the simplest move has led to me being unable to work.”
Liz Twist, UNISON’s Regional Head of Health, said:
“We welcome the compensation from the Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, however Mrs Crowe should never have been put in this situation in the first place.
“The most common injury suffered by nurses is a back injury.
“Problems like this one can be avoided if the equipment is kept in good repair.
“We would urge all employers to make sure they are abiding by health and safety regulations.”
Michelle Reid-Mitchell from Thompsons Solicitors added: “If the hospital had ensured its equipment was in good working order Mrs Crowe would not have suffered from serious back pain for another seven years.
“A simple check of equipment could have avoided this accident.”
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury, illness or disease at work, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any accident compensation claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.