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Medical Records.

It is possible that your solicitor will need to obtain medical records from your GP or hospital. You will he asked for your written permission prior to any contact with any medical authority.

In some cases your solicitor may decide to send you to a specialist to determine a more in depth study of your injuries and the time period of recovery.

It is vitally important that your solicitor is in full possession of all medical information as this allows him/her to offer proper advice. It will also give an indication of the likely award of any damages should you win your case.

If you were treated in hospital you or your solicitor can obtain your medical records from the hospital under the Access to Health Records Act 1990. You are legally entitled to copies of your medical records. A charge of around £10.00 is normally payable plus any reasonable photocopying that may be needed.

You should write to the write to the Records Department of the hospital involved to obtain your records.

Injured at Work – A Breach of Duty

All employers have a responsibility to safeguard their employees in the workplace. This is known as a 'duty of care', and involves a statutory obligation to look after your welfare.

Many of these laws are laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which amongst other things requires an employer to ensure:-

• The premises is safe;
• Equipment/machinery is appropriate and well maintained;
• The correct training and supervision is provided;
• Exposure to harmful substances (such as chemicals) is controlled;
• Competent staff are employed;
• Regular risk assessments are carried out;
• There are first aid facilities available.

Should an employer fail to comply with these responsibilities, they have breached their duty of care.