Needle stick injuries refer to a sharp contaminated object breaking the skin of the victim. Sharp objects which cause needle stick injuries include hypodermic needles and scalpels. Medical accidents and poor waste management are leading causes of needle stick injuries.
Professionals working in healthcare, waste disposal, and police are at high risk of getting needle stick injuries at the workplace. This injury can happen in a public place as well because of poor waste management. A contaminated sharp object can make its way into trash cans and beaches, etc, and puncture someone’s skin.
The puncture wound from the syringe or scalpel is harmless, but the real danger is the contaminants. These sharp objects can be contaminated with diseases like HIV, Hepatitis and tetanus. The contact of such syringes and scalpels with the blood can transfer the disease onto the victim.
What Should You Do If You Sustain a Needle Stick Injury?
In the event of a needle stick injury, it is crucial to get the proper medical attention. The injured should get themselves tested for any diseases that might have transferred from the sharp object. This accident can cause trauma and mental distress.
Getting a needle stick injury with no fault of your own can be a scary and life-altering experience. You might be wondering if you are not at fault, can you claim for needle stick injuries? Yes, in this blog, we will go over the edibility of your work compensation claim.
Needle Stick Injury at Work Compensation Criteria
Employers are responsible for needle stick injury at work compensation. Employers have a duty of care towards their employees. If this duty of care is breached, then the employer can be sued for negligence at work claim. Some examples of negligence from the employer that can lead to needle stick injuries are.
- Negligence in providing personal protective equipment.
- Failing to dispose of sharp objects properly.
- Lack of proper training among the workers.
This compensation case can be made against the employer in the form of an accident at work claim.
Claiming Needlestick Injury Claim Against NHS
Hospitals are at high risk of needle stick injuries. Anyone being injured by the negligence of the workers can sue NHS for compensation. Here are some examples of negligence from the staff that can lead to a needle stick injury.
- Not following proper procedures.
- Failure to use the correct equipment.
- Negligence in disposing of sharp objects.
Jobs at High Risk of Needle Stick Injury
Jobs that are at high risk of needle stick injuries include medical professionals, waste disposal staff, police officers, and sanitation workers.
How much compensation do you get for a needle stick injury?
The amount of compensation depends on individual circumstances. The compensation takes into account the general and special damages caused by the accident. If you are looking to claim for a needle stick injury, then your compensation might include.
- Physical Pain
- Psychological effects like anxiety and depression
- Effect on social life
- Cost of care, if applicable
- Medical expenses
- Travel costs
- Loss of earnings and work
If you are looking to make a claim for needle stick injury at work compensation, then you should seek legal help. Solicitors usually offer a No Win No Fee policy when it comes to needle stick injury claims. Generally, the time limit for making this claim is three years from the date of the accident. Needle stick injuries can be a traumatic experience for the victim. They have a right to compensation for the damages caused by the accident. If you or your loved one have been in a needle stick injury, then you should claim the compensation you deserve.