Herniated Disc Injury Compensation

Can I make a herniated disc injury compensation claim for a manual handling injury at work, even though I am required to lift boxes as part of my job?

Question:

Can I make a herniated disc injury compensation claim for a manual handling injury at work, even though I am required to lift boxes as part of my job?

Answer:

Herniated disc injury compensation can be awarded to anyone who has suffered from a slipped disc which has resulted from the negligence of a third party. The Health and Safety Executive estimate that more than a third of injuries warranting a period of absence from work of more than 3 days are due to accidents involving the manual handling of objects, and over 300,000 workers each year have been estimated to suffer from back injuries

If your employer has placed you at excessive risk through a negligent action or inaction, you could be eligible to claim herniated disc injury compensation. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requires your employer to take steps to limit manual lifting operations in the workplace, such as reducing the weight that you are required to carry and providing lifting equipment when appropriate. You should also have received training on how to lift properly to limit the risk of injury and should have been made aware of the risks associated with the job, to empower you to take action to help ensure your own personal safety.

If you feel that your employer has placed you under unnecessary risk, or has failed to fulfil his duty of care to you as an employee, providing you can prove that the injury was sustained at work and that your employer has been negligent, you should be eligible to claim herniated disc injury compensation.

A herniated disc injury can be a sudden and intensely painful injury, usually sustained when the body is under high strain such as when lifting a heavy box. A herniated disc injury is also a common repetitive strain injury, which is brought on by repetitive lifting of even moderate weights using an improper technique.

If you have been suffering from back pain for some time as a result of your job, this should have been mentioned to your employer and a record made in the accident book. If your employer chose to do nothing, or his response was not adequate to ease the risk of further injury, then this too can be considered as negligence and can be the basis for a herniated disc injury compensation claim. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility to claim herniated disc injury compensation you should consult a personal injury solicitor for advice.

Herniated disc injury compensation can be vital for many victims due to the incapacity that this type of injury often causes. A herniated or slipped disc frequently requires a prolonged absence from work and can affect a person for life. Medical treatment can be ongoing, and the cost of treatment can be expensive. You should contact an experienced work related injury solicitor for advice and to take a look at your case to determine whether you are eligible to claim herniated disc injury compensation for your back injury.