Care worker compensated after injury leads to morphine addiction
A care assistant has been awarded with thousands of pounds in compensation after an accident at work led to her becoming dependant on the drug morphine.
The woman who is in her late sixties, made an accident claim after she was left with a severe cut to her left ankle and heel following a serious work place accident, which soon after became infected and ulcerated.
The woman who is a member of the GMB trade union, and from North Yorkshire, had to take several months off from work after she was hit on the ankle by a hoist, a piece of equipment used to move immobile patients.
Her ankle was in such a bad condition that she needed morphine to control the pain. Her subsequent dependency on the drug meant she suffered symptoms of withdrawal if she does not take the drug, so she has now developed a dependence on morphine treatment.
Morphine dependency can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear while withdrawal can feel like a severe case of the flu.
Full recovery and back to work
Although she has made a full recovery from the morphine addiction and her ankle has healed, she is still affected by discomfort and pain in the affected area.
On a positive note, the woman has been able to return to work for the care home run by Bupa Care Services.
Following the accident she contacted her union, which instructed personal injury lawyers to pursue an accident claim to compensate the care worker for her personal injuries and the subsequent morphine dependency.
The personal injury lawyers working on the woman's behalf pointed out that the sling was a large and cumbersome piece of equipment being used in a congested area. The legal firm argued that steps should have been taken to avoid an accident when it was being moved.
Bupa Care Services admitted liability for the incident and settled the claim out of court.The worker was awarded with £18,000 in compensation for her personal injuries.
'Dependant on the painkillers'
The care worker said: "A cut ankle became far more than just that. I should have made a full recovery very quickly but the morphine prescribed for an ulcerated wound had severe side effects. I became dependent on the painkiller. I still find talking about my ordeal extremely difficult."
Tim Roache from the trade union, GMB said: "What initially seemed like a minor injury turned into something much more serious and had a deep underlying impact on our member."
Mr Roache also said: "Fortunately the accident was properly reported and documented at the time and as a result we were able to help this member claim compensation for the unexpected consequences."
Jane Gulliford from the injury lawyer's firm, said: "People suffering from morphine dependence feel an intense psychological and physical addiction. Withdrawal can make the person very sick and they can be left with feelings of anxiety and fear."
She concluded by saying: "This member's employers were responsible for the initial injury and the law says they have to take the consequences that flow from the treatment she subsequently received."
Updated on 15/01/2010