Tendon and Ligament Injuries at Work

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?

Tendon and ligament injuries at work Injuries can range from minor to more serious musculoskeletal issues. They can be incredibly painful, often resulting in long-term complications and time off work.

Tendons and ligaments are made of tough connective tissue in the body, both of which are vital. Further to that, tendons connect the muscles to bones and ligaments connect bones to other bones. Suffering a tendon or ligament injury at work can have a profound impact on your life and career.

If you have sustained a tendon or ligament injury at work due to negligence on unsafe conditions, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation. It is important to know that you should take timely action as you generally have three years in which to file a claim.

At Jefferies Claims, we work with experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can assess the viability of your case to take it forward.

Common Tendon Injuries at Work

Serving as connective tissue, damage to tendons and ligaments can result in severe pain, affect mobility and potentially cause long-term health complications. This is especially around the joints, such as knees, ankles and wrists.

• Tendonitis: Inflammation caused by repetitive motion, poor posture, or overuse.
• Tendon tears or ruptures: Often the result of heavy lifting or sudden trauma.

Common Ligament Injuries at Work

• Sprains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments, typically around the ankle, knee, or wrist.
• ACL or MCL tears in the knee: Often occur in slips, trips, or falls.
• Shoulder dislocations: Common in occupations involving lifting, reaching, or climbing.

Causes of Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Work-related tendon and ligament injuries can happen in most industries, but some environments pose higher risks than others. Common causes include:

• Repetitive strain: Office workers, assembly line workers, and drivers are prone to overuse injuries.
• Heavy lifting: Construction, warehouse, and delivery personnel often suffer injuries due to poor lifting techniques or lack of proper equipment.
• Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways can cause sudden injuries.
• Poor ergonomics: Incorrect workstation setups can lead to strain injuries over time.

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve suffered a tendon or ligament injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation under personal injury law. To make a successful claim, you must be able to show thar:

1. You were owed a duty of care by your employer.
2. There was a breach of that duty (e.g., failure to follow health and safety protocols).
3. That breach directly caused your injury.
4. The injury led to losses, such as time off work, medical bills, or lasting disability.

Employers are legally required to ensure a safe working environment for their staff. This includes providing proper training, maintaining equipment, and preventing foreseeable hazards.

Important: Time Limit To File A Claim

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury, or the date you first became aware of it, to start a personal injury claim. This is known as the limitation period.

However, certain exceptions may apply:

• If you’re under 18: The three-year period begins on your 18th birthday.
• Mental incapacity: There is no time limit until the person regains capacity.

 What Evidence Do You Need?

To strengthen your tendon or ligament injury claim, you should gather as much supporting evidence as possible:

• Medical records: Keep copies of the diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.
• Accident reports: Ensure the incident was reported to your employer and logged officially in the accident book
• Witness statements: Colleagues who saw the accident and will back up your account.
• Photographic evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene or faulty equipment.
• Employer communication: Keep any emails, memos, or texts related to your injury or workplace hazards.
• Financial records: Track all expenses and losses due to the injury.

How to File A Personal Injury Claim

Your health should be your top priority. Visit a GP or hospital to diagnose and treat your injury properly. This record will be essential as evidence in your claim. You must also ensure that you’ve notified your employer about your injury.

Next you should seek professional advice. Preferably look for a lawyer who is experienced in injured at work claims and who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreement. This type of agreement means you won’t pay fees unless your claim is successful.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation for workplace tendon or ligament injuries in the typically covers two types of damages:

• General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Special damages: For financial losses like medical expenses, loss of earnings, and travel costs.

Your personal injury lawyer will be able to advise potential compensation for your specific case as each claim is unique.

The exact amount of compensation depends on factors like:

• The severity of the injury
• Recovery time
• Impact on your quality of life
• Long-term prognosis

Preventing Tendon and Ligament Injuries at Work

Prevention is always better than cure and employers should:

• Provide regular manual handling training
• Encourage breaks for repetitive tasks
• Invest in ergonomic workstations
• Keep workplaces clean and clutter-free
• Ensure machinery and tools are regularly maintained

Workers should:

• Report hazards immediately
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Take breaks and stretch regularly
• Wear appropriate protective gear

Take The Next Step

We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and at Jefferies Claims, we can guide you through the process. So if you have injured a tendon or ligament which was not your fault, you may want to find out more about compensation.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.