Sheffield Accident Helpline helps victims back to work

Release Date: 08 July 2010 Sheffield Accident Helpline helps victims back to work ACCIDENT victims risking their health by returning to work too soon are having their fears eased by Sheffield Accident Helpline. The company said that helping victims of workplace injuries to settle claims early would give people the peace of mind to know their finances would remain secure, leaving them time to recuperate without additional money worries. An analysis of statistics from the Health and Safety Executive and insurers suggests that less than 1 in 10 of all workplace accident victims get any compensation, which puts pressure on family finances at a time when the cost of essentials is rising. Fifty five per cent of respondents are so worried they will struggle to make ends meet that they will go back to work early – despite fearing it could damage their health. Even more – 67 per cent – admit that since their accident their finances have come under increased pressure, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the ‘credit crunch’. Sheffield Accident Helpline, part of National Accident Helpline, has dealt with more than 1,500 workplace accident claims in the past five years. Statistically the Yorkshire and Humber region has a higher than national average injury rate of 1,200 per 100,000 workers. The most common kind of workplace injury was as a result of handling, lifting or carrying, with injuries also suffered from slips and trips and falling from height. Sheffield Accident Helpline Consumer Director, Beth Powell said: “Workplace injuries can involve time off work to recover, potential lost earnings and in some cases, the need for long-term rehabilitation. It is worrying that people are potentially putting their health at risk because they are bearing the brunt of financial pressures for which they aren’t responsible. “Employees should not worry about being fired as a result of making a workplace claim. It is against the law to fire someone for this. Successful claims are usually covered by an employer’s liability insurance, rather than impacting an organisation’s bank balance. “We would advise anyone who is the victim of an accident and finds themselves in this position to explore the options open to them. They could find that they are entitled to make some form of compensation claim, which would ease their financial worries and allow them to concentrate on the most important thing – getting better.” -Ends- Editor’s Note: Statistically Yorkshire and Humber region has a higher than national average injury rate of 1,200 per 100,000 workers. (Source Health and Safety Executive statistics.) Sheffield Accident Helpline is part of National Accident Helpline which has been working since 1993 to help people claim the compensation they need to get back on their feet. National Accident Helpline (NAH) was founded in 1993 to help accident victims claim the compensation they need for their recovery and for what they are entitled to. NAH is the UK’s leading free advisory service for people who have suffered an injury as a result of an accident and who are looking to claim compensation. NAH is authorised by the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities and is a registered company, incorporated in the UK. Media contact: Neil Drake PR and Marketing Communications Manager Tel: 01536 527500 E-mail: neil.drake@nahl.co.uk

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