Help!, i am on the sick with a bad back.

alfie10

I injured my back at work around 3 months ago, and have been off work since, I was fitting a kitchen at the time of the injury, and was fitting a double wall unit, and had to lean over the work top, when i felt my back go,


I have been getting around £150 a week sick pay,


But the problem is now we are soon to be moving to another area, so i was going to pack my job in,


But is this wise? should i be putting a claim in? i am about 5k worse off for being off work.


I have never claimed for anything before, and have no idea what i should do.


Hope someone can point me in the right direction


Regards

cuthbertlilly

of course you should claim state benefits, they are a form of security if things like this happen, then when you are fit you can ease back into work.

for a start, go to your local jobcentre Plus office and apply for Jobseekers Allowance, plus housing benefit and council tax benefit if you are entitled to these.

also check out entitledto.com and input your details to see what you are able to claim for.

alfie10

Hi, but i am still employed by the company, so surely i cant claim jsa etc, and if i pack the job in, this will also stop me claiming.

Uncertain

I'm not quite clear from your post if you mean claim benefits or damages from your employer - or maybe both?

You should of course claim any state benefits you are legally entitled to, this is what they are for.

Your contract of employment will tell you if you are entitled to more that statutory sick pay and, if so, for how long.

You can only claim compensation for the injury if somebody was at fault. However this could possibly be because you were not properly trained or given the right equipment. Or because you have a disability (that the employer was aware of but failed to allow for. If there is any possibility of a genuine claim you need legal advice asap. Many law firms will consider this type of case on a no win no fee basis if they feel it is valid.

cuthbertlilly

Book an appointment at your local Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible.
do you have children? a mortgage? does you employer not pay full sick pay?

alfie10

Hi, thank you for your replys


I was thinking of maybe claiming damages, the problem is we are on price work, and it is not always possible to wait for a lift.

They do not pay full sick pay,


I have no children, but i have a mortgage


The main problem is, i was going to pack in the job in 2-3 weeks time, due to moving to a totally different area,

Uncertain

Changing jobs will have no effect on your potential right to claim damages. Either they were responsible (directly or indirectly) for your injury or they were not.

I would contact one of the firms that advertise for this type of work (e.g. BGR Bloomer etc etc) and get an idea if there is any valid claim.

nexuss

Before you pack your job in you need to see a solicitor for compensation.This will also cover all your medical and loss of earnings.

alfie10

Thank you for all your help, i shall speak to a solicitor today, and let you know how i get on.