We recently resolved a common law claim for pain and suffering damages for a young client who was referred to us by her mother, a former client of Redlich's Work Injury Lawyers.

Our client was in her early 20’s when she injured her lower back at work sustaining a lower back disc prolapse.

Our client worked in a warehouse and was required to measure and cut cable of various sizes and lengths for customers and undertake pick packing duties. To cut and measure the cable, she was required to use a manual machine which required her to bend and twist, and use force and exertion. She was not adequately instructed, not trained in using the machine or provided with a suitable electric machine and sustained a serious spinal injury as a result.

Our client lodged a WorkCover claim for her injury which was accepted but shortly after her injury, the employer terminated her employment. This was clearly in breach of the employer’s obligations which requires an employer to provide suitable or pre-injury employment for a period of 52 weeks of incapacity.

The injury continues to have a very considerable impact on our client’s life including ongoing pain and sciatica. She is limited with prolonged sitting and standing, requires assistance from her mother as she has difficulty looking after her toddler, has trouble socialising, going to the movies, camping, or even wearing high heels. Because of that, she is restricted to light sedentary work.

Requiring legal advice, our client came to us. We assisted with her application and she was granted a serious injury certificate by the Victorian WorkCover Authority without having to go to Court.

We are extremely pleased to have secured a six figure settlement for our client for her pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. This will enable her to start 2021 with some optimism and financial security.

If you or someone you know has sustained an injury at work that has affected their quality of life, call and speak to one of our lawyers on (03) 9321 9988.