Get the Compensation You Deserve
A needlestick injury may seem minor at first, but the consequences can be serious, both physically and psychologically. If you were injured at work due to unsafe practices, poor training, or improper disposal of sharps, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims 24 Hours helps injured workers understand their rights and pursue justice with confidence, clarity, and no financial risk.
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What Is a Needlestick Injury?
A needlestick injury—also known as a sharps or percutaneous injury—occurs when the skin is punctured by a needle or sharp object. While many incidents result in no long-term harm, others can expose the injured person to blood-borne viruses, infections, and long-lasting anxiety.
Needlestick injuries are most commonly reported in healthcare settings, but they also occur in cleaning, waste disposal, construction, agriculture, and other industries where sharps are present or improperly handled.
When an employer fails to follow health and safety regulations and a worker is injured as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a compensation claim.
How Serious Can a Needlestick Injury Be?
The seriousness of a needlestick injury depends on several factors, including the type of sharp involved, the depth of penetration, whether the sharp was contaminated, and how quickly medical treatment was provided.
According to UK health authorities, contaminated sharps exposure is the most common form of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses in healthcare environments. While infection rates are statistically low, the potential consequences are significant and life-changing.
The physical risks are often accompanied by psychological distress. Many injured workers experience prolonged anxiety while awaiting test results, disruption to their work life, and side effects from preventative treatments.
Diseases and Infections Linked to Needlestick Injuries
A contaminated sharp can transmit a range of infections. The most commonly recognised blood-borne viruses include:
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Other infections that may be transmitted include cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus B19, and in rare cases, more serious pathogens. The risk of infection varies depending on exposure circumstances, but hollow-bore needles and intravascular devices carry a higher risk than solid sharps.
Even where no infection occurs, the emotional and medical impact of post-exposure monitoring and treatment is recognised under UK compensation law.
Who Is Most at Risk of Needlestick Injuries?
Although healthcare workers are statistically the most affected, needlestick injuries are not limited to hospitals or clinics.
Workers at risk include:
- Nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, and laboratory staff
- Cleaners, porters, and waste disposal workers
- Agency and temporary staff
- Care home employees
- Construction and agricultural workers exposed to sharp materials
In many cases, injuries occur not because of direct handling, but because sharps were incorrectly stored, poorly disposed of, or left in unsafe environments.
What Should You Do After a Needlestick Injury?
If you suffer a needlestick injury at work, immediate action is critical. UK health guidance recommends encouraging the wound to bleed gently, washing it thoroughly with soap and running water, avoiding scrubbing or sucking the wound, and covering it with a sterile dressing.
You should seek urgent medical advice as soon as possible, as post-exposure treatments may significantly reduce the risk of infection if administered quickly. The incident must also be reported to your employer and formally recorded in the accident book.
Prompt reporting protects your health and strengthens any future compensation claim.
Your Employer’s Legal Responsibilities
UK employers have a legal duty to protect workers from avoidable harm. This duty applies to permanent, temporary, agency, and contract workers.
Key legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, COSHH regulations, and the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. These laws require employers to carry out risk assessments, provide appropriate training, supply protective equipment, and ensure safe systems for the use and disposal of sharps.
Where an employer fails in these duties and an injury occurs, they may be held legally responsible.
Can You Claim Needlestick Injury Compensation?
You may be able to claim compensation if your injury occurred because:
- Sharps were not disposed of safely
- You were not properly trained or supervised
- Protective equipment was missing or inadequate
- Workplace procedures were unsafe or ignored
Compensation is designed to reflect both the physical injury and the wider impact on your life. This may include pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical costs, psychological distress, and future financial losses.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, most needlestick injury claims must be started within three years. This usually runs from the date of the injury, or from the date you became aware that the injury caused a medical condition.
Because evidence is easier to gather early, starting your claim as soon as possible is strongly advised.
No Win, No Fee Needlestick Injury Claims
Claims 24 Hours works on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, any success fee is legally capped, and everything is explained clearly before your case begins.
This allows you to pursue compensation without financial risk or pressure.
Will Making a Claim Affect Your Job?
It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss or penalise an employee for bringing a legitimate compensation claim. Employers are required to hold liability insurance, meaning compensation is paid by insurers—not directly by the business.
If your employer treats you unfairly because you asserted your legal rights, further legal remedies may be available.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours
Specialist Workplace Injury Knowledge
We understand the medical, legal, and emotional complexity of needlestick injury claims and work with solicitors experienced in this area of law.
Clear Advice From Day One
You receive honest, straightforward guidance with no pressure and no confusing legal language.
No Financial Risk
All claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring complete peace of mind.
Fast, Compassionate Support
We act quickly, protect your claim, and keep you informed at every stage while treating your case with sensitivity and respect.
Start Your Needlestick Injury Claim Today
A needlestick injury can affect far more than your physical health. If your injury could have been prevented, you deserve answers and support.
Contact Claims 24 Hours today for free, confidential legal advice and find out where you stand.
FAQs – Needlestick Injury Compensation
Can I claim even if I wasn’t infected?
Yes. Compensation may still be awarded for psychological distress, preventative treatment, and disruption to your life.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be able to claim under contributory negligence rules, although compensation may be adjusted.
Do I need medical proof?
Medical records are important, and we help arrange independent assessments where required.
Will my case go to court?
Most claims are settled through negotiation. Court proceedings are rare, and you are fully supported if required.