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Medical Negligence
Needle Injury Claims
If you have been injured by a needle stick incident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Injuries from syringes and sharp objects such as scalpels are relatively common, but can be incredibly distressing.
This type of injury does not just happen to those employed in health and social care. Discarded needles can present real dangers to everyone.
Discuss your circumstances with a knowledgeable and friendly solicitor today by contacting Graham Coffey & Co. on 0161 200 2440 or fill out an online enquiry form and we will be in touch at a convenient time for you.
Who is at risk of a needle stick injury?
Our team of personal injury solicitors can help you to claim compensation if you have been affected by a needle stick or sharps injury. Contaminated objects such as these can carry as many as 20 different diseases, including hepatitis and AIDs.
People who are most at risk include employees who work in these industries:
- Healthcare
- Cleaning
- Waste disposal
Recklessly discarded syringes or scalpels can not only lead to physical injury and transmission of infection, but also stress and anxiety while precautionary tests are carried out to check for infection.
The main types of infections that can be spread in this way are:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
Even where there has been no transmission of infection or disease, the anxiety and stress caused waiting for results can lead to compensation awards.
What to do if you are injured by a needle
If you pierce or puncture your skin with a used needle, you should:
- Encourage the wound to bleed by holding it under running water
- Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap
- Do not scrub the wound while you are washing it
- Do not suck the wound
- Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing
You should also seek urgent medical advice, as you may need treatment to reduce the risk of getting an infection.
What are the types of treatment for needle stick injuries?
If your healthcare professional thinks you are at a low risk of infection, no treatment may be required. If there is a higher risk of infection, you may need:
- To take antibiotics
- Vaccination against hepatitis B
- Treatment to prevent HIV
Needle accident case study
T was employed by the local council as a supervisor in a civic centre. There had been a repeated problem with syringes/hypodermic needles being discarded in the building toilets.
T attempted to retrieve a discarded syringe from a bucket in the toilet whilst wearing rubber gloves when he inadvertently pricked his finger.
His employer argued that heavy duty goods had been provided but the Court of Appeal found that the heavy duty gloves would not have prevented this type of injury and that the procedure adopted by the employer was inherently unsafe.
Contact us
The friendly and knowledgeable team of solicitors at Graham Coffey & Co. are here to help you launch your needle stick injury compensation claim. Contact us today by calling 0161 200 2440 or fill out an online enquiry form and we will be in touch at a convenient time for you.