Trapping your fingers can be very painful, and I am sure it is something that most of us have done before. In the workplace trapping your fingers could result in a much more serious injury, such as severe lacerations or even the loss of fingers/hands. Some machinery can be dangerous if not properly maintained or supervised, or if the person using it has not been properly trained. Fortunately there are regulations which employers should comply with, and compliance with the regulations is designed to keep workers safe and free from injury. Despite laws and regulations, accidents do continue to happen.
Perhaps the most notable regulation is PUWER (that is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). PUWER places duties on companies/employers/people that own, operate or have control over work equipment. Basically PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is suitable and safe (including maintained, inspected and correctly installed). There is also a requirement that the work equipment is only to be used by workers/employees who have been adequately trained and informed. The equipment must have safety measures including emergency stop devices, warning devices, guards, etc. All of this is to make the working environment safer and to prevent injury.
If you have sustained injury at work, such as by trapping your fingers, this can have a significant effect on your life. It goes without saying that the more serious injuries warrant the greater amount of compensation. It is compensation for the level of pain and suffering and the effect on the Claimant’s life. You can also claim for other losses (we refer to these losses as special damages). Special damages include loss of earnings – for example if you are not able to work because of the injuries you sustained in the accident. A severe injury such as loss of fingers/hands is likely to make you handicapped on the open labour market. We can attempt to obtain compensation for this handicap. A claim/award for handicap on the labour market is likely to be higher for a younger Claimant (as naturally he or she has more years to work up until retirement age).
To discuss a potential work injury claim, do not hesitate to contact The Injury Lawyers today. We offer free initial advice and we deal solely with personal injury claims.
