York woman takes accident compensation claim to Court of Appeal

A York woman who injured her back moving boxes in a sweet factory and lost a subsequent accident compensation claim has taken her case to the Court of Appeal.

Teresa Bialochleb claims the county court judge was wrong to dismiss her claim for damages, made after she damaged her back, allegedly while lifting boxes for her former employer Trebor Bassett Ltd at its factory in York, the York Press reports.

According to the newspaper, Lord Justice Ward has postponed the case in order to allow the company's lawyers to attend.

"If it is correct that this lady had no previous history of back problem until this eventful day and if she has continued to suffer, it seems to me something must have happened that day to cause her continuing difficulties," he said.

The Health and Safety Executive advises employers and workers that lifting and handling aids should be used to reduce the risk of back injuries in the workplace.

In guidance issued by the regulator, a series of case studies are used to demonstrate the potential repercussions of failing to adhere to lifting best practice in the workplace, including personal injury to workers and accident claims payable by employers.

Published by Kevin Round