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19th August 2008

£75K Damages for Nursery Nurse seriously injured at work

Back Injury at Work

A nursery nurse from Newcastle has secured £75,000 damages from Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust following a serious back injury at work.

Gillian Scott, 42, a member of UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, worked as a Nursery Nurse at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. The accident happened as she was carrying a box through a cupboard door; the contents of the box slipped causing her to fall against the door which sprung back on her. She twisted her back and fell onto equipment in the cupboard.

Accident led to Spinal Operation

Mrs Scott said:

“I injured my back very seriously and had to have a spinal operation. I was off work for a long time, and then had further relapses. Although they reduced my hours, I haven’t been able to resume work as a nursery nurse and alternative employment is being considered. I’m very grateful to UNISON and to Thompsons solicitors for their support and perseverance.”

Gill Hale, UNISON Northern Regional Secretary, said:

“Mrs Scott’s injuries could easily have been avoided if the correct health and safety procedures had been adhered to. Instead, due to the Trust’s negligence, Gillian’s world has been turned upside down and she has suffered a lot of pain as well as being forced into giving up a job she enjoyed.”

Representing Mrs Scott, Hazel Webb from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle comments:

“We reached a settlement one day before the trial was due to take place at Newcastle upon Tyne County Court. We’re relieved for Mrs Scott that it’s all over. At just 42, her career as a nursery nurse has been cut short and she deserves every penny of her compensation.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered a personal injury at work, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury 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 compensation claim forms.