INJURY VICTORY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2023 :: RMTnews 26 LEGAL INJURY VICTORY If you are experiencing difficulties in the workplace and need advice regarding a potential employment tribunal claim in the first instance, ensure that you contact your local RMT representatives or regional organiser. Then complete an L2 – Request for Legal Assistance (available on- line) and send it to your regional office with all supporting documentation. RMT’s legal department, which is now firmly established and employs four solicitors, deal with virtually all cases from assessment to the case’s conclusion at a tribunal for our members across England and Wales. The legal department has also submitted claims to the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The in-house legal department continues to advise and support members in their work-related criminal cases in the Magistrates Court. This often involves defending members against false allegations made by the public of assault, false allegations of theft and alleged driving offences. Furthermore, it continues to offer tailored advice and support for bus and taxi drivers, in respect of their licensing issues, licensing appeals before the Magistrates Court, driving offences, and in respect of appearances before Traffic Commissioners. The legal department will continue to strive to deliver a first class service to all members. It is committed to provide a strong service to assist the union through the ever-changing legal landscape. It successes have grown yearly. Additionally, RMT members benefit from access to personal injury lawyers where 100 per cent of compensation is kept by members, access to a basic will service and special terms for conveyancing, probate, powers of attorney and family law related matters. An RMT member who works as a Customer Experience Host was injured at work when he was working on a train. When he opened the fridge whilst the train was in motion, his arm came into contact with a sharp edge of the bar running alongside of the fridge which is to prevent the door from opening too wide. Our member sustained a laceration to his arm from this sharp edge. Thompsons solicitors working for RMT were instructed to pursue a claim for compensation on the basis that our member’s employer had been negligent and had exposed him to a foreseeable risk of injury. Liability was admitted by the employer, indicating that they were aware of the sharp edge and had failed to take appropriate steps. Thompsons went on to prepare the medical evidence required in order to properly quantify our member’s injuries. The member was seen by an appropriate independent medical expert who prepared a report dealing with the injury that was sustained, how long it took to heal and any problems that arose as a result of this. The member has been left with a scar to his arm, which although was expected to continue to mature, would remain permanently. A settlement claim was achieved in the sum of £4,500, which compensated him for his pain, suffering and loss of amenity as a result of his employer’s established negligence. The union regularly represents members who sustain injuries at work EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL LEGAL SUPPORT If you need advice regarding a potential employment tribunal claim contact the union