Back injury claims mainly arise during accidents at work places, falling and tripping, and some times in motor accidents. Unlike other injuries back injuries are not visible injuries. The injury is often not immediate and accrues over time. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 are the basis of all back injury compensation claims for injuries at work in the UK and the EU safety regulations 1993 in the EU. It says that every employer as far as possible should avoid his employees to take-up manual labour and handling. In case manual handling is required proper training must be imparted by the employer. Necessary protection gear like helmets, gloves and other equipments must be provided to the employee. In cases where there is injury and no training is given then risk assessment comes into the picture.
Risk assessment takes account of the following
" The environment
" Capacity and capability of the person
" Size and weight of the object
" Task carried out
Back injury causes are varied; from accidents to poor posture anything can cause a back injury.
Basically there are four types of back pains and injuries. They are
" Facet syndrome
" Sacro lliac joint dysfunction
" Slipped discs
" Stress fractures
The first kind of back injury the Facet syndrome causes pain on one side of the spine only in most cases and is caused by sudden and extreme movements. The Sacro Iliac Joint Dysfunction the second type. In this case back pain is caused by a distressing event in the life of the person and it affects the joints at the reverse of the pelvis. The third category of back aches is slipped discs. They arise in the lower lumber area of the spine and are very painful. And the last kind of back injury is the stress fractures which are caused by overuse of the back in sporting activities.
Evidence required to make claims: -
In case of motor and road accidents-
" Name and address of the third party
" Vehicle registration number
" The Insurance company of the third party
" Police reports
" Photos or sketches of accident spot
" Medical reports
In case of work related accidents the following are required: -
" Safety equipment
" Training
" Risk assessment carried out.
Back Injury Compensation claims are anywhere in the range of £4,000 - £100,000 in the UK. The amount of claim depends on the severity of the injury and risk assessments in case of accidents at work. These claims are fought on court on no win -no fee basis. So you don"t pay if your lawyer does not win. The legal team will investigate and gather evidence and present it in the court room. Severe back injuries which cause impotence and double incontinence deserve to be compensated between £22,650 to £98,500. In case of moderate injuries like slipped discs you can get a compensation claim between scales of £7,125 to £22,650. Minor back injury claims like damage to tendons and ligaments attract damages worth £4,000 to £7,125.