WINNING AT WORK

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2023 :: RMTnews 26 LEGAL A signal worker member employed by for Network Rail was injured during the course of his work. At the end of his shift and as he was walking away from the signal box, he tripped over debris which had been left on an unlit authorised walkway. The member fell and landed heavily on his left side, sustaining grazing to the left knee and pain to his left hand. He initially thought that he had just sustained bruising and that the hand was a bit sore and swollen and continued to work for a further three shifts before his work supervisor showed a picture of his hand to his line manager. His line manager thereafter arranged for the member to be taken to the Emergency Department of the hospital where x-rays were performed and showed a fracture of the little finger. Our member was treated with a splint and was off work for approximately 49 days. Thompsons Solicitors was instructed to pursue a claim for compensation for the member’s injuries and losses. The employer admitted a breach of duty and agreed to pay the member compensation as a result of their negligence. Thompsons Solicitors arranged for an independent medical expert to examine our member and prepare a report dealing with the injuries and losses that he had sustained as a result of the accident. The medical expert confirmed that our member sustained a fracture to his little finger and was off work for seven weeks as a result of the pain, swelling and weakness. Following this seven-week period, the expert found that the member had made a full recovery. As our member had to take time off of work as a result of the accident, he suffered a reduction in his take-home pay during this period. Thompsons Solicitors therefore investigated the loss of earnings that our member had suffered and sought to recover this, together with travel expenses, as part of our member's claim for compensation. After some negotiation, Thompsons solicitors were able to obtain a settlement of £3,500 in respect of our member’s injuries and losses, which were carefully valued by Thompsons in order to ensure that our member received the appropriate amount of compensation. ROAD ACCIDENT A railway worker member has secured compensation after suffering an injury following a road traffic accident. The member was hit by a vehicle while walking home, which caused him to sustain significant injuries to his right foot and ankle. He had to spend more than six weeks in hospital and he required a considerable amount of rehabilitation. The member instructed specialist injury lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors through the RMT legal assistance scheme. After a thorough investigation, the defendant’s representatives admitted liability for the accident and medical evidence was then obtained to prove the member’s claim. Thompsons Solicitors was also able to arrange funding for a rehabilitation package, which helped the member to return to work. The national law firm then instructed a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and an expert in care and rehabilitation to prepare reports. These reports set out the nature and extent of the injuries, the treatment required and the cost of future care and rehabilitation. A detailed schedule of financial loss was prepared and court proceedings were issued. Following correspondence and negotiations with the insurers it was possible to negotiate a satisfactory settlement without the case proceeding to trial. A total sum of £257,000 was agreed and subsequently paid to the member. RMT offers full legal support for members and their families, don’t leave home without it WINNING AT WORK