By Olivia Willis. Last updated 17th March 2021. Welcome to our needlestick injury compensation claim guide for an infection or injury from a needlestick.
Whether you are a patient in a hospital or a medical professional, one of the last things you might expect is to suffer a needle-stick-related injury. It would be fair to assume that medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics will have a high code of ethics which they must uphold. In doing so, this code of ethics should help reduce any risks of injury and illness that pose an imminent threat to both employees and patient’s welfare. However, if this obligation is breached, then it could cause implications like an infection from a needle-stick to occur. Situations such as this could pose serious, if not life-altering repercussions for those involved.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of a sharps injury, then you might be searching for a personal injury solicitor who could handle your potential claim. Within this guide, we will discuss how needle-stick injuries could be caused by the negligence of another, the illnesses they could cause, and whether or not you could have grounds to claim for compensation.
If while reading this guide you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our trusty advisors are incredibly knowledgeable and can offer free, no-obligation legal advice.
- Contact a member of our team on 0161 696 9685.
- To enquire online, please click here.
- Alternatively, chat with one of our advisors live using the pop-up on your screen.
Jump To A Section
- A Guide To Needle-stick, Sharps And Syringe Injury Claims
- What Are Syringe, Sharps Or Needle-stick Injuries?
- Sharps, Syringe And Needle-stick Injury Statistics
- What Could Cause A Needle-stick, Syringe Or Sharp Injury?
- Sharps, Needle-stick And Syringe Injuries In The Workplace
- Medical Negligence Leading To A Syringe, Needle-stick Or Sharp Injury?
- Needle-stick And Syringe Injuries In Public Places
- Who Could Be At Risk Of A Needle-stick, Sharp Or Syringe?
- What Should You Do If You Sustain A Needle-stick Injury?
- Needle-stick, Sharp Or Syringe Compensation Claims Calculator
- Additional Damages Victims Of A Needle-stick Injury Could Claim
- No Win, No Fee Compensation For An Infection Or Injury From A Needle-stick
- How Legal Helpline Could Help Victims Of A Needle-stick Injury
- Start Your Claim With Legal Helpline
- Resources And References
A Guide To Needle-stick, Sharps And Syringe Injury Claims
Welcome to our needlestick injury compensation claim guide for an infection or injury from a needlestick.
Nobody prepares, nor do they expect to be involved in an incident that could affect their health and well-being, especially in a medical setting. Whether you are visiting a GP for a routine check-up, having a surgical procedure or you are an employee in a medical profession, there are measures that have been set in place to prevent hazardous incidents from occurring.
If you have been the unfortunate victim of medical malpractice, then you might be searching for a medical negligence lawyer to handle your potential claim. Our needlestick injury compensation claim guide will explain how to make legal proceedings for an infection or injury from a needlestick. Within this online guide, we’ll discuss how an inflexion from a needle-stick injury could have life-altering implications to those affected. We’ll also seek to answer the following questions:
- What is a needle-stick injury?
- Could a needle-stick injury cause health implications?
- Is a medical negligence claim similar to a personal injury claim?
- What is a No Win, No Fee Agreement?
Time Limits
If you wish to make a needlestick injury compensation claim guide for an infection or injury from a needlestick, there are some factors you should be aware of. Firstly, to claim compensation, you should be conscious of the statutory claims time limit, as this could affect your ability to claim. Like with personal injury claims, medical negligence claims also have a 3-year time limit in which the claim can be made. This time limit begins to tick from the moment of the negligent event. There are ways to extend this time period, but they’re granted only in exceptional circumstances. Our advice, therefore, is always to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding statutory claims time limits, then please contact a member of our team.
What Are Syringe, Sharps Or Needle-stick Injuries?
A needle-stick injury is often caused by a sharp object that punctures the skin. This process may also be referred to as a percutaneous or sharps injury. In most cases, injuries of this nature occur in medical environments such as hospitals and clinics. However, there are some scenarios where incidents of this nature could occur in other areas, such as tattoo shops or when clearing out abandoned houses or apartments.
With accidents such as this, one of the biggest risks is cross-contamination. This means that the object that causes the puncture could contain another person’s bacteria, such as blood. This is hugely problematic. It has the ability to inflict serious health concerns and illnesses, such as HIV or hepatitis.
For more information on how to make a needlestick injury compensation claim guide for an infection or injury from a needlestick, please continue reading.
Sharps, Syringe And Needle-stick Injury Statistics
According to a report produced by NHS Resolution, there were 1,833 claims received between the years 2012 to 2017 in connection to needle-stick injuries. Within that same report, it claims that there were successful cases made on behalf of ancillary workers.
These claims were in connection to needle-stick injuries, mostly because of a failure to properly dispose of the needles after their use. The NHS also claimed that most sharp object-related injuries could be prevented. Safety can be accomplished if employers uphold their duty of care to protect healthcare staff and patients from being exposed to infectious agents.
The government released a National Audit Office report in 2003, detailing how injuries caused by sharp objects, such as needlesticks, account for 17% of all accidents in NHS workers. A more recent article by Public Health England in 2014 warned the dangers of needlestick injuries, highlighting the risk of exposure to bloodborne viruses, including HIV, HCV and HBV. 81% of exposures were experienced by doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants, with 65% occurring during clinical procedures.
These statistics don’t just show the risk posed to healthcare workers but demonstrate how dangerous needlestick injuries can be to anyone.
What Could Cause A Needle-stick, Syringe Or Sharp Injury?
If you are reading this guide, then you might be searching for some clarity on how to make a needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick.
An injury of this nature is often caused when sharp objects such as scalpels, syringes, and various medical tools puncture the skin. The severity of the puncture and the needle’s cleanliness will determine the effects that follow. Still, in most cases, those who are unfortunately injured by a needle-stick related incident are likely to endure bruising, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness. In severe scenarios, an accident of this nature has the ability to cause life-long and debilitating concerns for the health and well-being of the affected individual. For example, they could contract diseases such as:
- HIV
- Prion agent
- TSEs
- Malarial parasites
- West Nile virus (WNV)
- Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV)
- Parvovirus B19
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- GB Virus C
- Hepatitis D
- Human T-lym
Sharps, Needle-stick And Syringe Injuries In The Workplace
In some circumstances, a sharps injury could, as a result of a breach of a duty of care, occur in the workplace. To prevent an accident of this nature from occurring, an employer should display the correct techniques through training and provide the proper equipment where applicable. In doing so, these measures will equip the employee with accurate knowledge to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided some preventive measures that both employees and employers should be aware of. These include:
- Avoid leaving any sharp objects around
- Dispose of needles and sharp objects correctly
- Do not bend or break a needle before discarding
- Do not use makeshift containers to dispose of hazardous waste
- Carry sharp objects by their handle and away from the body
Medical Negligence Leading To A Syringe, Needle-stick Or Sharp Injury?
A sharps injury could be caused by medical malpractice, which in turn, could cause life-altering consequences. If you have experienced a syringe injury due to medical malpractice, then you might be wondering what the chances are of getting a disease from a needle-stick.
Unfortunately, if the object was contaminated, then the possibility of it causing an infection could be high. From physical injuries such as bruising to lifelong diseases such as HIV, the aftermath of a needle-stick injury can vary in scale and severity. That is why a needle-stick injury risk assessment could help decipher whether or not you have been infected. In the event a medical professional is at fault and has caused an injury of this calibre, then you could have grounds to make a claim with a medical negligence solicitor from our panel.
If you find yourself in this situation, you could be able to make a needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick. To learn more, please continue reading.
Needle-stick And Syringe Injuries In Public Places
Making a claim in connection to a needle-stick injury that happened in a public place would depend on the location of the incident. For example, if you were to endure a needle-stick injury in a tattoo parlour due to the negligence of another, then this breach in the duty of care would directly make the tattoo parlour liable. In the event you have been injured in a public location and are unsure of your legal possibilities, please contact a member of our team.
Who Could Be At Risk Of A Needle-stick, Sharp Or Syringe?
As mentioned above, a needle stick injury is often associated with a medical setting. Therefore, patients and healthcare workers (such as nurses and doctors) could be subject to a needle-stick injury.
However, there are some cases where a needle-stick injury could be caused in other locations, such as tattoo parlours or abandoned spaces. If you, unfortunately, find yourself in this situation, please continue reading to learn how to make a needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick.
What Should You Do If You Sustain A Needle-stick Injury?
If you are injured by a sharp object that is potentially contaminated, then you might be wondering what the protocol is? The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state that those who endure a suspected injury of this nature should:
- Try and encourage the wound to bleed gently (preferably under streaming water)
- Wash the wound with water and soap (do not scrub while washing)
- Dry and securely cover the wound
- Seek medical advice as soon as possible
- If you suffer a needle-stick injury at work, report it to your employer and make sure they record it in the accident book.
Needle-stick, Sharp Or Syringe Compensation Claims Calculator
If you’re thinking of making a needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick, you might come across online tools like personal injury compensation calculators. Tools such as this can provide an estimated figure of the compensation you could be entitled to.
However, we find them a little difficult to use, so instead, we’ve chosen to provide a table that displays a list of relevant injuries, their severities, and the compensation awarded.
The figures within this table are based on the Judicial College Guidelines, a legal publication that details compensation awards made by the courts. The value of any case is dependent upon its unique set of facts, so it’s important to remember that the figures below are for guidance purposes only If you have any additional questions with regards to the table or personal injury claims calculators, then please contact a member of our team today.
Injury Type Injury Severity Compensation Amount Awarded Injury Description
PTSD Minor £3,710 to £7,680 A minor case of PTSD is often expected to virtually make a full recovery with a one to two year time frame.
PTSD Moderate £7,680 to £21,730 A moderate case of PTSD is often expected to have a decent prognosis and will not cause the affected individual to be grossly disabled.
PTSD Severe £56,180 to £94,470 A severe case of PTSD is often expected to cause life-altering disabilities, psychological trauma, mood disorders, flashbacks, sleep disturbance, avoidance, and suicidal intention.
Mental Anguish Serious £4,380 The fear of death or the reduction in life expectancy.
Bowel Injury Serious Up to £172,860 An injury of this nature is often expected to involve the total loss of natural bowel function and the complete loss of urinary function.
Bowel Injury Less Serious £11,820 to £22,970 An injury of this nature would be in relation to penetrating injures that have caused damage. However, an expected return to nature function and control is expected.
Scarring Serious £8,550 to £28,240 In cases such as this, the worst effects have been reduced by plastic surgery. However, cosmetic disability and the psychological damage associated aren’t great.
Scarring Trivial £1,600 to £3,310 In cases such as this, the scarring is expected to be minor.
Additional Damages Victims Of A Needle-stick Injury Could Claim
Some people could be of the belief that a claim for compensation is limited to physical injuries, which isn’t always the case. If you have been involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another, then the claims process could take into consideration both general damages and special damages. To create a greater understanding of the differences between general and special damage claims, we have provided some explanations.
General damages – This head of the claim compensates people for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity experienced as a result of the injury. For example, if someone were to experience a needle-stick injury bacterial infection after medical malpractice, then they could be left with physical health implications and psychological suffering. If that is the case, then these various elements of injury and distress could be taken into consideration when making a claim for compensation.
Special damages – When pursuing a claim for compensation, special damages refers to the financial loss on behalf of the claimant. After an accident, the claimant could face a variety of unanticipated expenses that are all in connection to their accident. These costs could range from medication to travel. To further illustrate the different types of special damages that could be taken into consideration when making a claim, we have provided a list.
- Medical Expenses – If you require medical treatment that is not covered or funded by the NHS, then you could recover these costs as part of your claim. This also includes prescription costs and over the counter medications.
- Loss of Earnings – if you’ve had to take time off work to recover or to attend medical appointments, you can factor into your claim any lost earnings or bonuses.
- The Loss of Potential Earnings – If the injuries are serious enough to mean you’re unable to return to work. If so, then the loss of potential earnings could be taken into consideration when claiming compensation.
- Aftercare – Depending on the severity of the incident, it could render you unable to look after yourself and perform daily chores. If that is the case, then you might require professional help to support you. If that is the case, then this could be factored into a claim for compensation. Equipment like chair lifts may also be factored into a claim of this nature.
No Win, No Fee Compensation For An Infection Or Injury From A Needle-stick
If you have valid grounds to make a needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick against a negligent party, our panel of personal injury lawyers could help.
We always offer to handle your claim under a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). The CFA is designed to offer claimants financial protection and the confidence to pursue justice. If you sign a CFA with a solicitor from our panel, you will not have to pay any fees upfront, nor will you have to pay any fees during your claim either. And if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay any of the fees your solicitor has incurred in pursuing your case.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor may seek a small contribution towards their costs. This is known as a ‘success fee’ and would be deducted from the compensation awarded at the end of the claim. Don’t worry, the success fee is legally capped! The success fee will be agreed upon with you and your solicitor before you begin your claim.
How Legal Helpline Could Help Victims Of A Needle-stick Injury
If you have been affected due to a sharps injury, then you might be searching for a solicitor that could handle your claim. Here at Legal Helpline, we work with a panel of specialist solicitors who have decades of experience handling cases of this nature. They will strive to win you the maximum amount of compensation possible and will expertly guide you through the complexities of the legal process, explaining legal jargon along the way. And if ever you have a query or would like an update on your case, they’ll be on hand to take your call.
Start Your Claim With Legal Helpline
If you wish to chat with someone from our team regarding your potential needlestick injury compensation claim for an infection or injury from a needle stick, why not call one of our friendly advisors? They can offer free, no-strings-attached legal advice and discuss your potential claim in greater length.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which means our advisors are always available to answer the phone and speak with you. Alternatively, you could enquire through our online form, and a member of our team will review your submission and contact you at a later date.
- To speak with an advisor, please contact us on 0161 696 9685.
- To enquire online, please click here.
- Alternatively, chat with one of our advisors live using the pop-up on your screen.
Needlestick injury compensation claim FAQs
Can you claim for needle stick injuries?
Providing you suffered a needlestick injury as a result of a third-party failing to uphold their duty of care to you, you could be eligible to claim compensation. For a free consultation, freephone us today.
How much can I claim for a hand injury?
You’ll need your case to be properly evaluated before a compensation amount can be estimated, as each payout varies according to the severity of the claimant’s suffering. Once again, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today to see how much you could claim.
Resources And References
This online guide should have successfully outlined how our panel of solicitors could be of assistance.
- Botox Injury – Could I make a claim against a cosmetic surgeon?
- Permanent Scar – Do I have grounds to make a claim for compensation?
- Accident at Work – Could I make a claim against my employer?
Thanks for reading our needlestick injury compensation claim guide for an infection or injury from a needlestick.
Guide by MN
Edited by REG