£31,500 in compensation for back injury

A carer who was forced to take early retirement after she severely damaged her back when her employers refused to invest in new equipment has received £31,500 in compensation. She strained her back whilst attempting to lift a 17-stone patient in her role as a carer for a county council. Earlier that month she had suffered a similar injury and she had had reason to complain about the hoist before that. She had asked that a gantry hoist be installed but her concerns were ignored. Her back is so badly damaged she has been unable to return to work and has been medically retired. The council agreed liability and settled the claim out of court with a reduction for contributory negligence.