A special needs teacher turned to our legal experts for support after an incident at work left her with significant physical and psychological trauma.
The NASUWT member was hit by a football kicked by a pupil who was on the ‘close supervision list’ due to previous similar incidents, but was not being adequately supervised at the time our client was injured. Being hit by the ball caused our client to fall and hit her head on the floor, knocking her unconscious.
The incident left the 60-year-old experiencing headaches for months, caused her to develop a frozen left shoulder - which needed physiotherapy – and exacerbated existing issues with her right hip.
She said: “After already having a history of osteoarthritis in my right hip, the lower back and hip pain caused by the incident has left me needing to use a walking stick.”
The incident’s after-effects go far beyond physical trauma - our client has developed a variety of psychological symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder, avoidance behaviour and depression.
She turned to her union and Thompsons Solicitors, who were able to secure her a compensation settlement.
She added: “The psychological issues brought on by the accident left me feeling completely isolated at times. But the silver lining was my union and Thompsons – they were able to fight my corner and make me realise I wasn’t alone. I’m so grateful for everything they have done.”
Gary Tierney, a senior lawyer at Thompsons’ London office, said: “Had the school applied its own supervisory practices effectively, this incident may not have happened and our client would not have had to endure the physical and psychological consequences.
“Fortunately she was a member of the NASUWT. This enabled her to access free legal support and secure 100 per cent of her compensation, without the deductions that would be charged by high street law firms.”