Irwin Mitchell has assisted a nurse who was injured in an assault at work to receive compensation.
Our client was working as a nurse at a centre treating patients with mental health issues.
Whilst at work she went into a side room and was followed in by a patient who then assaulted her.
It was alleged that the unit was short a member of staff on the day in question. The side room did not have a panic button and there were insufficient working personal alarms for all members of staff to be provided with one. As a result the nurse was not able to alert colleagues when attacked.
She sustained soft tissue injuries, which aggravated previous conditions in her neck and shoulder, and a back injury. She also developed depression and anxiety following the incident.
Irwin Mitchell assisted the nurse to secure £10,000 compensation for her injuries and out of pocket expenses.
It is hoped that lessons have been learnt following this incident. It is essential that the risks of injury are fully considered by employers and appropriate steps are taken to reduce these risks. Work equipment such as personal alarms should be maintained and where defective repaired promptly to provide employees which as safe an working environment as possible.