Dangers Associated With Needlestick Injuries

Complications Associated With Needlestick Injuries

Needlestick injuries are serious because in addition to the pain and swelling they pose a potential for the transmission of dozens of blood borne pathogens including:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Herpes
• Malaria
• Syphilis
• Diphtheria

Needlestick injuries are a reality for people who regularly use needles in the workplace like nurses, phlebotomists and laboratory technicians. Those that have been vaccinated (against those conditions for which a vaccines exists) and have therefore developed immunity are at a low risk of infection, however for an unvaccinated person the risk is increased. The risk of infection also depends on other factors including:

Route of exposure – when a needle or other sharp instrument penetrates the skin, this is called a percutaneous injury or in this context a percutaneous route. Was there deep penetration of the needle? Was there visible blood on the needle? Was the needle located in an artery or vein?

• Volume of blood or bodily fluid involved – performing high risk procedures such as withdrawing blood, working in a dialysis unit, administering blood
• Severity of the injury – generally needlestick injuries cause only minor visible trauma or bleeding, however, even in the absence of bleeding the risk of infection remains

Many victims of a needlestick injury may start to suffer severe depressive symptoms. The mental injury can be substantial with the injured party suffering from stress, anxiety and worry. If such psychological upset is not managed in its early stages it can worsen and develop into a chronic condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sadly it can take months for a conclusive result to be obtained from a blood test as to whether an infectious disease has been transmitted, therefore heightening the stress and anxiety. In such circumstances it is possible to claim compensation for the anxiety whilst waiting. Where infection is confirmed and a ‘breach of duty’ (negligence or fault) can be proved, additional compensation can be recovered.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Needlestick Injury claim – either by calling us free on 0800 028 2060, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choosing to discuss your situation. When you contact us you are under no obligation to continue with the case unless you wish to do so.

We’re here to help – contact us today.