£2m in workers compensation to council staff
Posted: April 22, 2014
Posted in: Knee Injury School Accidents Spine & Back Injuries Workplace Injuries Workplace Slip 
New figures have revealed that councils have paid out over £2 million in compensation to staff who have successfully claimed for workplace injuries. The cases included individuals claiming for slips, trips and falls, assaults, and many other workplace injuries. Two of the claimants were awarded compensation after suffering “psychological abuse”, while another school staff member received £200,000 in compensation after being assaulted in a special-needs school.
The figures were released through a Freedom of Information request, revealing that more than 100 council workers were successful in gaining compensation since 2009. Norfolk County Council paid-out over £441,000 following a total of 44 personal injury claims. These included one member of staff who received £30,600 after suffering psychological damage as a result of psychological abuse. Another worker received £56,340 after suffering psychological damage as a result of an “incorrect procedure”.
Council figures:
- £348,500 paid-out by Great Yarmouth (no details regarding claims)
- £39,750 paid-out by Breckland (three workers)
- £7,000 paid-out by West Norfolk (one worker)
- £19,000 paid-out by South Norfolk (two workers)
- £28,900 paid-out by North Norfolk (two workers hurt falling)
- £9,000 paid-out by Waveney (two workers)
Defective equipment was believed to be the reason behind one council worker receiving £35,000 for a knee injury, while another worker received £33,023 for a back injury caused by “layout” problems.
A spokeswoman for Norfolk County Council said: “We take the health, safety and well-being of our staff and those who use our services very seriously and have a very good track record of preventing injury and ill-health of our employees.”
If you have suffered a workplace injury, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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