It could be you

Published: 25 May 2011

The RCN has won £270,000 in damages for an HCA who was injured while assisting a colleague being attacked by a patient in the workplace. The member, who was working in a home for people with severe learning disabilities, rushed to help his workmate during the incident, but despite using appropriate restraining techniques, was hurt when the patient fell on him.

The member, who wants to remain anonymous, said the case was far from simple and understood the out of court settlement was "pretty difficult" to achieve. "I’m really grateful the RCN continued to provide me with support and gave me its complete backing," he said. "I would encourage other members to seek immediate support if they’re injured at work."

RCN Senior Legal Officer Roz Hooper said: "We know that HCAs can face particular challenges in their roles. Whether they’re hurt due to excessive lifting and handling or are assaulted by patients or their relatives at work, it is always advisable to get in touch."

The RCN offers legal support to members wanting to make a claim for personal injury compensation. If you’ve suffered an accident that was due to negligence on the part of your employer or another third party, the RCN could help you make a claim. This is a benefit included in the price of your membership, so you lose nothing by finding out whether you’re eligible.

Find out more

Unfortunately, violent attacks in health care settings are a regular occurrence with more than one in 10 frontline staff saying they’ve experienced physical violence at work. Would you know what to do if it happened to you? Read the RCN’s guidance on how to follow up an attack at work.