A production operative employed by a biscuit factory has received a financial settlement after suffering an aggravation of a pre-existing shoulder condition, thanks to the support of Thompsons Solicitors.
The production operative, who had been on restricted duties for several years due to her shoulder condition, was initially assigned to a specific line with less repetitive tasks such as packing and stacking biscuits. However, in 2021, due to low staffing levels, she was moved to a different line, which involved repetitive feeding and pushing of biscuits through the line. This change in duties, without any job rotation, led to an aggravation of her shoulder condition.
The claimant experienced considerable pain and discomfort, requiring multiple medical interventions, including several steroid injections and sessions of physiotherapy. She instructed workplace injury experts at Thompsons Solicitors to bring a claim for compensation against her employer, citing their failure to adhere to previous recommendations against assigning her to the different line and for not conducting an updated risk assessment before removing her from her restricted duties.
Although the employer’s insurers admitted to a breach of duty, they initially denied causation. However, Thompsons secured medical evidence to help support the case. Following the disclosure of this evidence and the claimant’s schedule of loss, the defendant’s insurers were invited to make an offer, resulting in an agreed settlement.
Emma Carter of Thompsons Solicitors said: “Cases such as this demonstrate the crucial role Thompsons Solicitors can play in securing justice and compensation for injured workers. This outcome drives home the importance of proper workplace assessments and adherence to medical recommendations to prevent the aggravation to workers’ pre-existing conditions.”
The client said: “My claim changed hands before it reached Emma Carter. She handled my case and did a great job. She listened to me from the beginning and always gave me an update. With every question I asked, she quickly came back with an answer. I am very pleased with the result. Thank you to the entire Thompsons Solicitors team, especially Emma Carter.”