Compensation for an Injury Due to Faulty Factory Machinery

How much compensation for an injury due to faulty factory machinery can I claim for a crushing injury to my hand? The safety guard broke and my hand was crushed fracturing two bones.

Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor

Editor in Chief

Eoin P. Campbell

Unfortunately, without further information on the exact nature and extent of your injuries it is not possible to accurately calculate how much compensation for an injury due to faulty factory machinery you are entitled to receive.

The amount of compensation for crushing injuries can be particularly difficult to calculate due to the nature of this type of injury. Crushing injuries typically cause severe damage to the soft tissues such as muscles and tendons, but also damage to the blood vessels and nerves in addition to fractures to the bones. It is not just the fractures which will be considered when calculating how much compensation for an injury due to faulty factory machinery you are entitled to receive.

When the Injuries Board assesses the amount of faulty factory machinery compensation which is applicable in your case, it will use the Book of Quantum as a reference. Even with straightforward injuries, the range of faulty factory machinery compensation suggested by the Book of Quantum is considerable. Compensation values for crushing injuries to the hand range from €13,100 – for a relatively minor injury with the likelihood of making a full recovery – to €88,400 for injuries involving permanent damage. Exactly where the Injuries Board will determine your injury falls within the Book of Quantum range will depend on the information contained in the medical assessment form which must be submitted with your claim form.

Due to the complicated nature of your injuries, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice about claiming compensation for an injury due to faulty factory machinery from a personal injury solicitor. While a solicitor will not be able to medically assess your injuries, your solicitor will ensure that your injuries are examined by a specialist in the field. This will help to ensure that the full extent of your injuries is detailed in your medical assessment form and an accurate prognosis for recovery can be made. With a detailed medical assessment there is a stronger likelihood that you will receive the maximum entitlement to compensation for injury due to faulty factory machinery.

A personal injury solicitor will also confirm which expenses you are able to include on your claim for faulty factory machinery compensation under special damages in addition to the above compensation amounts for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.