27 replies to this topic

[Orange-Phantom]

I'd agree with the above comments and claim.  Why should you have to suffer from someone else's negligence and stupidity?  It's about the principal, and who can argue with that!

[The Matt]

I'm going to talk to the solicitor and kick it off. I've also raised it with the ex-boss.

[Ethel]

Good move, a compo claim won't automatically lead to disciplinary action against the rep, but it is likely to involve their insurers, who will require some improvement in their procedures to continue providing cover.

 

I wouldn't worry about the lack of absolute medical evidence. I hesitate saying it, but it'll be a lot like whiplash. Such things are difficult to diagnose, so probability and historical clinical evidence will come in to play, those calculated safety distances must have some basis. It's going to be harder to make a case for ignoring them.

 

It might even help with your treatment if the other side agree to fund you going private to get a quicker appraisal and settlement.

[The Matt]

Yup. The ex-boss has replied and 100% agrees with my decision.

He's asked how I want to progress and whether I want to go through his insurance for anything.

I'll get to the solicitor first and go from there.

[The Matt]

Hmmm. Maybe not the best choice of emoticon?

[The Matt]

My my...what big eyes I have!

[Mini Manannán]

I have to agree to go the compo route as well.  I can't f*****g stand this blame culture but your case looks pretty damn clear cut to me.

[Carlos W]

Contact HSE

[AVV IT]

I'd definatley claim, you might not care about the money now, but if you're left with a permenant problem then that might change in the future. I would'nt worry too much about medical evidence at this stage, any decent personal injury specialist will probably refer you to an independent expert for a diagnosis any way. Also as previously mentioned, I would be a little wary about no win no fee solicitors, because they might be inclined to settle too quickly just to make themselves a quick buck. Check things like your home insurance policy though, as they often have legal cover included.

 

I had a shoulder injury at work a couple of years ago, caused by an idiot doing something stupid & irresonsible. I wasn't interested in compensation at first, because I'm not all that motivated by money and like many here I'd never been a fan of the whole compensation culture thing either. After many weeks off work though and the NHS just fobbing me off that it was a minor sprain, I contacted a personal injury lawyer as it wasnt getting any better. They referred me to a consultant surgeon for an expert opinion, who diagnosed a more serious injury and advised that without surgery I would probably be left with a permenant deficit. I then had a course of private physio at the other parties expense, which got me back to work and the claim was settled about 18 months later. My shoulder still gives me problems, it's not really major enough for surgery (which could well make matters worse, as opposed to better), but it's a permenant annoyance and I just have to live with it. A couple of years down the line I'm now glad of the compensation, it dosent really change anything, but the fact that I've got it somehow makes the injury that bit easier to put up with.

[The Matt]

I might contact HSE

[lordyoung1980]

I would get the ball rolling for a claim. I know it might seem greedy,but long term you may have other issues with your sight later in life. When I was 21 I had an accident at work. I was hit in the face with water from a mould heating system that was at120c. So you can imagine what it did to my face. Luckily I had safety glasses on. But stupidly I did not claim as I thought it would jeapordise my job. Years later I'm scared on my neck. Don't feel guilty,you were hurt and not because of what you did. From this incident they will change the way they work and may save someone else eyes in the future.

[Carlos W]

I might contact HSE

 

If HSE investigate and the company are found to be at fault you can probably use their evidence to pursue a claim.

 

 

It'll save lots of grief 

[The Matt]

Yeah, I am waiting to talk to ex-boss in person first.  I don't want to get him in trouble at all as it really wasn't his fault. Once I've met with him I'll contact HSE

 

Now I've had the eye tests and they've confirmed that what I'm seeing isn't down to my own eye-health (so it must be from lasers) I'm actually really wound up about it.  I've got this for life now.  It might only be a little black/brown burny mark (depends on what colour is in the background I think), but it's SO distracting when I'm reading.  I've noticed that I've started closing my left eye when I'm reading now.  I've been getting a lot of headaches in the last 6-8 months too, I hadn't even thought that it could be this, but maybe it's because I'm closing my left eye a lot as a reflex when I'm concentrating on stuff?