Public Health England has reported that between 1997-2018, there have been over 8700 reports of needle stick injuries amongst healthcare workers. This figure averages out at over 400 incidents per year.
Twenty-three of these people contracted the HCV virus (Hepatitis C) and one person contracted HIV. Over two-hundred incidents have been recorded in Scotland between 2015 and 2017.
In order to determine whether any long-term harm to health has been done, there are lengthy blood tests the affected person has to go through. One blood sample is taken immediately and a further one is repeated after six weeks. The full results are not known until some six months after the injury occurs.
As well as the needlestick injury itself, healthcare workers often suffer psychological injury during this period, with some contracting life-changing and even lifelong diseases as a result. For extreme cases, a Stress At Work claim may be viable for suffering caused – click here for more information on this.
Further Reading
Check out our dedicated guide, here, or more information on what to do when confronted with a needlestick injury and whether there are grounds for compensation.
Why Choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to escalate a claim?
At Oakwood Solicitors, we will work on your claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. This means that in the unfortunate event that your claim is unsuccessful, there is no expectation from us for you to pay anything.
From the start of your claim until the conclusion you will have a dedicated advisor who will run your claim, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. Regular updates will be provided by your case handler up until your claim has ended. This is to ensure the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have had a needlestick injury and your physical or mental health has suffered as a result, get in touch today for a free initial consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
