Lancashire woman left in need of regular care after work accident

A trade union member has received a substantial compensation sum after developing chronic regional pain syndrome caused by an accident at work.

Derren Riley suffered tendon damage to her left knee while moving a table tennis table at St Bedes School in Lytham, Lancashire, when she lost her grip, causing it to fall and land on her leg.

The 53-year-old was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome. She couldn’t walk for many months and was out of work for more than a year after the accident. Although the incident happened nearly five years ago, Derren’s life is still affected as she works reduced hours, cannot drive a manual car and relies on her husband to assist with many household tasks.

Derren had not been given manual handling training by her employer, Lancashire County Council, and was unaware that the table should have been moved by more than one person.

She instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a compensation claim.

“I can’t believe how much my life has changed because of this injury,” said Derren. “I’ve lost so much of my independence. I had a brace on my leg for a year, which left me virtually immobile, and even after it came off my leg hasn’t healed. I’ve had around 50 physiotherapy sessions to ease the pain, but now I think I’ll have to deal with this for the rest of my life.

“With the assistance of Thompsons, I have received various mobility aids that have made daily activities around the house more bearable. They took the time to give me support that no one else could.”

Phil Liptrot, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “A lack of training from Derren’s employer meant she took on a manual handling task alone, which was an accident waiting to happen.

“We brought Lancashire County Council to account meaning that Derren was able to cover her loss of earnings and for adaptations to her home, improving her quality of life while she lives with her disabling injury.”