A needle stick (or sharps) injury occurs when a needle or other sharp instrument accidentally penetrates the skin. While the initial injury may cause some shock and pain, if the needle or sharp instrument is contaminated with blood or any other fluid, then there is a potential for transmission of infection.
According to research, around 40,000 instances of needle stick injuries are reported each year and the National Audit Office report of April 2003 found that needle stick and sharps injuries accounted for 17% of accidents to NHS staff.
The main risk of a needle stick injury is of course the risk of transmission of infection such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). There are of course several other infectious agents which have the potential for transmission through needle stick injury.
The emotional distress associated with waiting for blood test results to be received following a needle stick injury can be, understandably, very traumatic. Blood tests can take three or six months to be received and, during that time, a victim may not know whether they have contracted any of the viruses or infections referred to above. Even if a victim is cleared of any blood-borne diseases, they are entitled to claim compensation for the months of suffering which they have endured as a result of “not knowing”.
Martyn Prowel Solicitors have successfully claimed damages for personal injuries arising out of needle stick injuries incurred both within a hospital environment and outside that environment. If you would like to discuss a potential claim, or have suffered a needle stick injury, please telephone our Janine Griffiths on 02920 475131 who will be happy to discuss the matter with you and consider whether there is a potential claim for damages to be made on your behalf.