Personal injury claims soar during recession

With more people struggling for cash during the financial crisis, the recession has led to a growing number of compensation claims in all industries.

As more Brits avoid servicing their vehicles in fear of not being able to meet the cost to repair damages, the number of road accidents has soared.

January's cold weather led a growing number of potholes which in turn contributed to an increase in the number of road accidents and public liability claims.

The number of medical negligence claims filed is also increasing as the pressure on the NHS increases as more people are losing their private health insurance as a result of being made redundant.

Furthermore, the numbers of work accident claims are increasing as bosses focus more on their finances, paying less attention to health and safety regulations.

Health and safety not a priority for employers

Research by an accident helpline firm has revealed that over half of employees believe that their bosses are not concerned about health and safety issues in the workplace since the recession.

The firm found that 62 per cent of employees think that health and safety has become less of a priority for their company since the onset of the recession.

John Campbell, legal director of the accident helpline said: "Health and safety in the workplace must be more than just a box ticking exercise; if an employer is not truly invested in ensuring his employees are safe and well, then not only will he have difficulties retaining staff but he will leave himself open to financial redress should an accident occur."

With more employees under the impression that health and safety is less of a priority during the recession, the number of personal injury claims regarding work accidents could continue to soar as the number of firms carrying out poor risk assessments increases.

One example of slipping safety standards regards a case where a man had his arm ripped off at a waste plant as a result of insufficient training.
Man sues council after losing arm

A 42 year old man is now suing Aberdeenshire Council in the hope of securing £2 million for his horrific injuries. He lost his left arm, shoulder and part of his collarbone at Inverboyndie Waste Treatment Plant in 2004 when his hand was caught between a roller and a conveyor belt.

The father of four lodged a personal injury claim against the council in the hope of winning compensation for his terrible accident which has left him irreparably emotionally and physically damaged. He still endures pain and is classified as having a disability as a result of the accident.

Any compensation he receives will reflect loss of future earnings in addition to compensation for the accident itself and the pain he still endures.

His father stated that he is now a 'changed man' because of the horrific accident.

The Banff Sheriff Court heard that the accident was down to lack of training.

A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: "The matter is being handled by our insurers and we cannot comment further at this stage."

Aberdeenshire Council has also been fined £12,000 for breaching Health and Safety regulations.

Have slipping health and safety standards led to you having an accident at work? Look into making a personal injury claim against your company.