Case Study: Successful Work Accident Claim – Ciara’s £6,000 Settlement
Client: Ciara
Settlement: £6,000
Location: Belfast
Case Type: Work Accident Injury Claim
Overview: Ciara’s Work Accident and Injury Claim
Ciara, who suffers from a severe nut allergy, was employed at a popular Belfast hotel. On the day of her accident, a number of new chefs from across the UK and Ireland were testing new menu items. Among the dishes being tested was a chocolate-based dessert containing nuts, which Ciara was unaware of.
Although Ciara did not consume or touch the dessert, she was in close proximity to the kitchen where the dish was being prepared. Within minutes, Ciara began experiencing difficulty breathing and developed a rash, signs of a severe allergic reaction. Upon realizing that the dessert contained nuts, she immediately used her Epipen and was driven to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for urgent treatment.
Why Ciara Contacted Lacey Solicitors
Feeling frustrated and concerned about her safety at work, Ciara sought legal advice from Lacey Solicitors’ personal injury team. She was given a free, no-obligation consultation with Ruaidhri Austin, Partner at Lacey Solicitors.
After discussing her case, Ciara decided to pursue a personal injury claim against her employer for failing to ensure her safety in the workplace. Lacey Solicitors were impressed at the steps taken by Ciara following the accident at work. Ruaidhri sent a formal letter of claim to the hotel’s management and arranged for medical reports from an emergency medicine consultant from Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to support Ciara’s case.
The Employer Denies Liability
Ciara’s employer quickly denied any liability, arguing that they had taken all reasonable steps to ensure her safety. Their Insurance company claimed Ciara’s allergic reaction was not caused by the menu testing event, denying the presence of any nuts in the kitchen that day. The employer also suggested that Ciara may have encountered nuts elsewhere prior to her shift.
Lacey Solicitors rejected these claims on Ciara’s behalf and immediately issued court proceedings against her employer claiming that they were in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (NI) 2003 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations (NI) 2000.
Settlement Negotiations and Legal Strategy
The insurance company on behalf of Ciara’s employers appointed Solicitors to Defend the case. They maintained that the injury was minimal lasting no more than 30 minutes and that the matter should be dismissed by the court. Furthermore, they warned Ciara that if the case proceeded, she could be ordered to pay their legal fees.
Lacey Solicitors firmly disagreed with the their position, advising Ciara that she had a strong case and should continue with the legal process.
Ciara’s employers solicitors eventually agreed to enter into settlement discussions. Although they initially proposed a minimal compensation amount, arguing that Ciara’s injury lasted only about 30 minutes, Lacey Solicitors successfully negotiated a settlement of £6,000 for Ciara’s injury, as well as her legal fees. Ciara received her compensation four months after we issued legal proceedings.
Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Your Work Accident Claim
At Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, we have a reputation as experts in insurance law and are committed to ensuring you receive fair compensation for injuries sustained in the workplace. Our expert team offers tailored legal advice, guidance, and representation to support you throughout the claims process.
Contact Lacey Solicitors in Belfast Today
If you’ve been injured at work, you can trust Lacey Solicitors to guide you through the claims process. We offer a free initial consultation with one of our expert solicitors who will help you understand your legal options.
Get in touch today using our online form to speak with a trusted accident at work solicitor in Belfast. We’re committed to providing you with expert legal advice and representation to help you get the compensation you deserve.
