Accident at work case

A former midwife turned to the RCM’s legal service and Thompsons Solicitors for support after suffering a career-ending injury.

The midwife, who was just 50 at the time she was injured, fell and landed awkwardly onto the floor when a chair - which unknown to her was completely inappropriate for the flooring at work, making it unstable and prone to sliding if any pressure was put on it - moved as she sat down. She managed to finish her shift but the pain in her back became so intense that she was unable to work for more than a year and was ultimately forced to take medical retirement.

“I’d had an operation for back issues in the past, so I was aware that I was always at risk of developing further issues in the future, but not this early in my life and certainly not this severe,” she said.

“A simple change in furniture, or even a warning, could have stopped this from happening.”

The RCM member, who is still reliant on pain relief medication, turned to her union’s legal service and Thompsons Solicitors for guidance with a compensation claim. She later secured a substantial sum to reflect her pain and losses.

“I would have been lost without the RCM and Thompsons,” she said. “They were sympathetic and supportive throughout the legal process, and they kept me updated at every turn.

“I cannot thank them enough.”