What is a Needlestick Injury?

A needlestick injury can be caused by a sharp instrument, such as a needle, blade (such as scalpel) or other medical instruments penetrating the skin. This is sometimes called a percutaneous injury.

This type of injury most commonly occurs amongst healthcare workers, for example, when a professional receives an injury from a hypodermic needle that is intended for a patient, however, exposure can also happen in restrooms, parks and other public places when needles are not disposed of properly, for example, if they have been used to inject illegal drugs.

There is a risk of severe infection, as well as what can be an unpleasant puncture wound. When someone has used a needle, viruses in their blood may contaminate it. Therefore, if a ‘sharp’ (tools such as needles, blades and other medical instruments, such as syringes, and lancets, and glass from broken equipment) accidentally pierces someone’s skin, the infection could be transmitted to that person. The risk of infection can also lead to severe distress and trauma for the person injured by the needle or sharp object.

If you have suffered a sharps injury at work, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. 

What are the Risks of Needlestick Injuries?

Even a needlestick injury from a sterile needle can cause an awful wound and severe bruising, and that’s assuming that you did not receive any of the solution that may have been in the syringe. The main risk of needlestick injury is the potential risk of infection, such as blood-borne viruses (BBV). Transmission of infection can occur in cases where the injury involves a sharp object that has been contaminated with blood or bodily fluid from a patient.

In cases like these, serious illnesses such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are all potential risks. You may need to undergo post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment if there is a potential HIV risk.

The transmission of infection depends on several factors, including the person’s natural immune system. The number of needlestick injuries each year is high, however, only a small amount are known to have caused infections that led to serious illness.

That is why it is essential to seek medical treatment, and analysis of the needle concerned, whenever you have received a puncture wound from a needle. You should also seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity in case you need to make a claim for compensation.

Do I Need to Report a Needlestick Injury?

There are strict procedures which your employer must follow for reporting specific types of workplace injury. These rules are laid out in The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013.

When your employer reports an accident, the HSE and local authorities will be notified. They will then decide if an investigation is required and whether there is a continued risk to you and other employees. A needlestick injury is very serious and falls under RIDDOR, regardless of the severity of the wound. 

Is my Employer Liable for a Needlestick Injury Compensation Claim?

Anybody who has suffered a needlestick injury at work due to their employer’s negligence is usually eligible to make a needlestick injury claim for compensation. Below are some examples of how your employer may have been at fault for your accident:

· Neglected to implement the relevant health and safety regulations.

· Failed to provide appropriate or adequate training 

· Failed to provide you with adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) or the correct equipment to carry out your job.

· Required you to carry out a task for which you weren’t qualified.

How can Beacon Law Assist?

Beacon Law is a specialist personal injury law firm which provides a team of highly qualified Solicitors and legal professionals with many years of experience in all types of injury matters, including needle stick injuries. Our friendly staff treat each injured person with the respect and compassion they deserve throughout their case whilst providing a high level of professionalism.

We will keep you updated via text, email, phone, or letter throughout the claim process. We boast an impressive success rate, and we’ll help you move on, if you need ongoing support after the case we can help you out.

If you have suffered an injury that wasn’t your fault then our team may be able to assist you on a no win no fee basis. Beacon Law is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about more about how we can help you get a successful claim and how we can help you with your legal fees, extremely have a look at the funding section on our website.