Prison Officer Compensation Claims
If HM Prison Service has failed in its duty to protect you while at work and you have suffered an injury as a result, you may be entitled to claim prison officer assault compensation.
The expert solicitors at JMW are well-positioned to help prison officers who have been injured at work to make a claim. We can provide expert guidance to give you the very best chance of securing a successful outcome to compensate for the pain and suffering caused.
Speak to our legal experts today by calling us on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, enable us to give you a call back by leaving your details via our online enquiry form. We can help you pursue a prison injury claim and will explain the next steps.
How JMW Can Help
Prison officers work in a dangerous environment to protect the safety of inmates and fellow officers. Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes happen despite prison operational processes being in place to minimise the risk of injury.
You are entitled to claim for an injury arising from any number of scenarios. The most common claims that we have handled include:
- Slips and trips as a result of damaged or badly maintained flooring, or a wet and slippery floor caused by spillages
- Muscular and/or back injuries - including spinal injuries - as a result of manual handling errors or a lack of training
- Injuries caused by breaking up fights between inmates, controlling prison riots, restraining inmates and assault
Our highly skilled team of personal injury solicitors can advise you throughout the claims process, treating you with the utmost respect and sensitivity. We understand the distress you are likely to have endured and will endeavour to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you.
Suffering an injury following an accident at work can be upsetting and traumatic. It can also put you at a disadvantage in the labour market, either temporarily or permanently. Claiming compensation will allow you to seek redress from those who are responsible for causing your injury, and the money you receive can be used to support you and your family if you have been left unable to work.
JMW Solicitors operates on a no win, no fee basis, meaning that if your case is unsuccessful, you will not need to pay for legal costs.
How Much Compensation Can Prison Officers Claim?
The compensation that will be available to you will depend on the type of injuries you’ve sustained and may include provisions for any financial losses you incur. This might include lost earnings if you need time off work following the incident to recover.
The figures below provide a rough guide of how much you might be able to claim for an injury in a factory, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. For a more accurate calculation of how much you could be able to claim, based on the specifics of your case, get in touch with the team today. We can give you a precise estimate that takes into account all of the details about your injury and circumstances.
| Cuts or abrasions causing scarring | £1,500 - £15,000 |
| Shoulder injuries | Up to £6,290 - £38,280 |
| Knee injuries | £13,000 - £76,690 |
| Hand fractures | £27,220 - £58,100 |
| Foot injuries | Up to £10,960 - £87,410 |
| Severe back injury with spinal cord damage | £72,260 - £128,320 |
| Serious back injury causing significant permanent damage | £59,120 - £70,490 |
| Back injury causing chronic permanent symptoms | £30,910 - £55,590 |
| Back injury causing serious permanent symptoms | £22,130 - £30,910 |
| Back injury causing permanent symptoms | £9,970 - £22,130 |
| Back injury recovering in two-five years | £6,290 - £9,970 |
| Back injury recovering in up to two years | £1,950 - £6,290 |
A financial reward will compensate you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, and will also help to support you while you are recovering. Compensation can cover the cost of unexpected medical bills, rehabilitation and any required care from family and friends. In addition, compensation will cover any time you have taken off work due to your injury.
ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CALCULATOR
How much is your prison officer compensation claim worth?
HM Prison Services’ Duty of Care
HM Prison Service has a duty to provide prison officers with a safe working environment. Should this duty not be met, the risk of injury can be heightened. If this happens and you are hurt, you may be in a position to make a compensation claim.
In spite of a zero tolerance to violence policy, assaults by inmates on prison officers can still occur as they are usually incidents that cannot be foreseen or prevented by employers. In cases involving assault, it is often necessary to show that the employer failed to keep you safe during an assault by providing the following:
- The inmate has a history of violence that the employer was unaware of
- The employer did not carry out an adequate risk assessment
- The employer did not implement the risk assessment
Claiming compensation in these cases can be difficult as the regulations associated with assault involving third parties are limited. This is why it is so important to seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor if you have been injured by a prison inmate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prison Officer Compensation Claims
- Can I start a prison officer compensation claim?
Yes, you can start a prison officer compensation claim if you have been injured while performing your duties and believe that HM Prison Service failed in its duty to protect you. To initiate a claim, you should follow these steps:
- Report the incident: ensure that the incident is reported and documented with your employer. This documentation will be crucial for your claim.
- Seek medical attention: obtain medical treatment for your injuries and ensure that all details of the injuries are recorded. Medical records will serve as important evidence in your claim.
- Contact JMW Solicitors: reach out to our team of expert solicitors who specialise in handling personal injury claims for prison officers.
- What evidence do I need to claim prison officer compensation?
To claim prison officer compensation, you need to gather specific evidence to support your case, including:
- A detailed report of the incident is documented with your employer.
- Medical records detailing the injuries sustained and the treatment received.
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Witness statements from colleagues or others who saw the incident
- Any communication with your employer regarding the incident and subsequent actions
- Any previous reports of similar hazards or incidents that demonstrate a pattern of negligence
- What are common incidents leading to a prison officer injury claim?
- Common incidents leading to a prison officer injury claim include slips and trips due to damaged or poorly maintained flooring or wet surfaces from spillages.
- Muscular and back injuries often arise from manual handling errors or lack of proper training. Injuries sustained while breaking up fights between inmates or controlling prison riots are also prevalent.
- Assaults by inmates, resulting in various injuries, are a significant cause for prison officer assaults claims.
- Faulty or inadequate safety equipment can lead to injuries during daily operations.
- Additionally, exposure to hazardous substances or environments within the prison can result in health issues necessitating a compensation claim.
- Can I lose my job if I make a prison officer compensation claim?
No, you should not lose your job for making a compensation claim. It is illegal for employers to dismiss or penalise employees for seeking compensation for workplace injuries. Your employment rights are protected, and taking legal action to claim compensation should not affect your job status. If you experience any form of retaliation, you should seek legal advice immediately. JMW Solicitors can provide support and ensure your rights are upheld. Your wellbeing and recovery should be your primary concern.
- How much prison officer compensation could I receive for my injuries?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the severity and specifics of your injuries. Compensation typically covers pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, and any ongoing care or rehabilitation costs. The Judicial College Injury Tables provide rough guidelines, but individual circumstances vary.
For a precise estimate, you would need to consult with our legal experts, who will assess the details of your case. JMW Solicitors can provide a tailored estimate based on your unique situation. Ensuring you receive adequate compensation for your recovery and financial stability is our priority.
- What is the time limit to start a prison injury compensation claim?
The time limit to start a prison injury compensation claim is generally three years from the date of the incident. There are exceptions in some cases, such as if the injury was not immediately apparent. It is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines. JMW Solicitors can guide you through the process and help you understand any exceptions that may apply to your case. Prompt action increases the likelihood of a successful claim.
Talk to Us
If you are a prison officer who has suffered an injury that was sustained in the workplace, JMW Solicitors can help you. Our team is experienced in handling accidents involving prison officers and can help you claim compensation for your accident.
Contact us by calling 0345 872 6666 or complete an online enquiry form and we will be in touch at a time that is suitable for you.
