Care Sector Injury Claims

Those working in the care sector often find themselves with unique issues so far as their ‘workplace’ is concerned, as they may work in one place such as a care home, school or hospital or have to go to different private homes during their working day to attend to service users. Also, their service users are likely to have varied and complex needs to be dealt with, both physically and emotionally.

In such situations, employers not only have a duty to look out for the welfare of the service user, they also have a duty to make sure that their employees are adequately protected from risks of injury. They also have a duty to make sure that their employees and the residents are adequately protected from the risks of contracting COVID.

If you have been injured at work as a carer and it was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Our specialist Personal Injury solicitors are on hand to advise you on your injury claim and help you through the entire process.

"Your patience and professionalism was second to none throughout the process of the claim. Your kindness to me when I was losing faith in the whole thing kept me going. The outcome of the claim that you managed to secure for me is a life changing amount of money, and will make things much easier when I have to give up work through my injury and continuing pain. I, and my family, are truly indebted to you.

Mrs S was awarded £135,000 after suffering an injury at work after being assaulted by a service user and suffering an injury to her wrist. The award also reflects insufficient training by Mrs S’ employer.

Claim incidents

Your employer should ensure a safe working environment for you as a carer, wherever you are working.

Safe working

Your care sector employer has a duty to assess the risks that you may be exposed to and reduce the risk of injury as far as is reasonable. They can do this by giving training, and providing you with the correct equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment and assistance where that is necessary. PPE may be particularly relevant to prevent employees contracting COVID as a result of their employment.

If your employer has failed in their responsibilities to your health and safety and you have suffered injuries as a carer, you may have grounds for a compensation claim.

Manual handling

As a carer, you are likely to have to do manual handling tasks. Manual handling is any task that involves moving a load by pushing, carrying, pulling or lifting. If you do such a task incorrectly, with too heavy a load or with the wrong equipment it can cause you injury, and make any existing medical conditions you have worse.

Your employer should make sure you have had sufficient training for any manual handling you have to do so as to reduce the risk of injury while caring for others in your work. They also must review the manual handling tasks and remove them if practicable. Any manual handling tasks that cannot be avoided must be risk assessed, taking into account your abilities, any existing or previous injuries and if you are pregnant.

A care sector employer should also reduce the risk of injury by such measures as making sure there are enough people for the job and suitable equipment.

How can Thorntons help?

Our expert Personal Injury team includes Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law and Solicitor Advocates. We are experienced in helping carers claim for compensation for injuries sustained at work and will help you through the whole claims process. We also work on a no win no fee basis so you do not have to worry about the costs of claiming.

You can start your claim today by calling us free on 0800 731 8434 or complete our enquiry form. We will talk through your situation, answer any questions you may have and advise you if you can make an accident compensation claim for your injury as a carer. Our discussion will be confidential and you are under no obligation to make a claim. You can also take a look at our Claims Calculator to find out how much compensation you may be entitled to.