Our client was employed as an operating department practitioner for Greater Glasgow Health Board at the time of his injury. He contacted Thompsons, through his union, in relation to a manual handling incident which occurred on 14 June 2016 during the course of his work.
The background
On the day of the injury, our client was working a ten-hour shift as an operating department practitioner at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. While assisting with the transport of a patient to an operating theatre, he was required to hold open double doors while attempting to manoeuvre the patient into a cramped room. During this process, he found himself balanced uncomfortably and felt a sharp pain in his left knee.
The consequences
The claimant continued with his shift but felt restricted with his movements and took pain medication later that evening. On his return to work a day later, he felt considerable pain in his knee and alerted his line manager. He attended an accident and emergency where, following examination of his swollen knee, he was advised to stay off work for six weeks.
He attended multiple physiotherapy appointments but, after five weeks and feeling pressure to return to his job, he attempted to begin working normally again. Our client continued to feel pain in his knee which required medication to control the pain. In December 2016, he received an MRI scan which revealed a tear to his medial meniscus. In January 2017, he had surgery to repair the tear and to clean up the cartilage in his leg. Following the surgery, he developed cellulitis in his right foot and ankle, which required a course of antibiotics.
The settlement
After being contacted by the client, we intimated a knee injury claim to his employers. However, they failed to provide their position, so we raised court proceedings in the All-Scotland Personal Injury Court.
Thompsons' work accident solicitors arranged for the claimant to be examined by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed that the injuries were consistent with the accident as described. This report further stated that the claimant should allow for a 12-month period of recovery.
Shortly after court proceedings were raised, the defender made a settlement offer of £3,000. However, we advised that this offer was too low, so it was formally rejected. Shortly afterwards, the defender increased its offer to £3,750. This offer was accepted and formalised on 25 July 2019.
Compensation for knee injury
When it comes to compensation for knee injury, various factors are taken into account to determine the appropriate amount. This includes the severity of the injury, the impact on the individual's ability to work, and the pain and suffering endured. In the case of our client, the knee injury compensation he received was reflective of the pain, loss of earnings, and the medical treatment required.
KNEE INJURY COMPENSATION CASE STUDIES
Other knee injury compensation case studies handled by Thompsons highlight the range of settlements awarded based on different circumstances and injury severities. For example, a similar case involved a client who suffered a knee injury due to a slip and fall accident in a supermarket. The client required surgery and extended physiotherapy, ultimately receiving a settlement of £15,000.
KNEE INJURY COMPENSATION CALCULATOR
To help potential clients understand what they might expect in terms of compensation, Thompsons offers a knee injury compensation calculator. This tool can provide an estimate based on the specifics of the injury, such as the extent of the damage, required medical treatments, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
GETTING THE RIGHT HELP
If you or someone you know has suffered a knee injury due to negligence or an accident at work, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice. Thompsons' team of experienced solicitors can guide you through the process of making a claim and ensure you receive the maximum knee injury compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
