Injury Pain Led to Morphine Addiction

23 Jan 2010

The 66-year-old was left with a severe cut to her left ankle and heel which became infected and ulcerated. Her ankle was in such a bad condition she needed morphine to control the pain. Her subsequent dependency on the drug meant she suffered symptoms of withdrawal. Morphine dependency can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear, while withdrawal can feel like a severe case of the flu. Although she made a full recovery from the dependency and her ankle has healed, it still gives her discomfort and pain. The member has now returned to work for the care home run by Bupa Care Services. The firm admitted liability and settled the claim out of court.

GMB Yorkshire & North Derbyshire Regional Secretary Tim Roache said: ‘What initially seemed like a minor injury turned into something much more serious and had a deep underlying impact on our member. Fortunately the accident was properly reported and documented at the time and as a result we were able to help this member through our legal services claim compensation for the unexpected consequences.”