A physiotherapy technical instructor who needed two operations after her shoulder was dislocated in a workplace accident has received £54,000 in compensation.

The 61-year-old from Nottingham had to take early retirement following a fall at Aspley Wood School whilst she was working as a technical instructor for Nottinghamshire County Teaching Primary Care Trust.

Her job involved helping to train new physiotherapists.

The grandmother-of-two was unable to return to her job of 25 years after she slipped on a wet patch on the corridor in April 2007. As she fell she grabbed a handrail causing her left arm to dislocate.

Surgery required after accident

Her arm was put in a sling for four weeks but she developed a frozen shoulder and needed keyhole surgery in September 2007.

Despite receiving extensive physiotherapy her shoulder was still painful. She was unable to work, sleep properly or do some household chores.

By April 2008 it was clear she was unable to return to work and her contract was terminated. She felt she had no option but to take early retirement.

It was at this point that she went to her trade union, the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy (CSP) which instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.

Further surgery required

Thompsons referred her to a medical specialist who said she needed another operation to help with the pain.

She now has limited use of her arm and has been told her symptoms are now unlikely to improve.

Thompsons argued that Nottingham City Council, which had responsibility for the school where the accident took place should have made sure that the corridor was kept safe.

The council admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

Slips and trips are common workplace accidents

The woman said: “I was fit and active and enjoyed my work but this accident has seen me suffer immense pain during the last four years. I’ve had to give up my job and I can no longer raise my arm above head height. It is frustrating that this has happened all because someone didn’t put up a wet floor sign or clear up the spillage.”

Jess Belmonte, National Officer at the CSP, said: “We are pleased we have been able to support this member in her claim. The council’s negligence means the Trust has lost a valuable member of staff with extensive experience. We hope lessons are learnt from this to avoid anyone else suffering the same plight.”

Laura Hadfield from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Slips and trips are common workplace hazards and as a result the council should have made sure it’s health and safety policies were being followed. If more care had been taken this woman would still be pursuing a career that she loved.”