WHAT IS A NEEDLESTICK INJURY CLAIM?
A needlestick injury is more than a small wound — it's weeks of fear while you wait for the all-clear.
A needlestick or sharps injury happens when a used needle, scalpel, lancet or broken glass pierces your skin at work. The physical wound often heals quickly, but the real distress comes from the risk of a blood-borne virus such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV — and the long, anxious wait for repeated blood tests to come back clear.
If your employer failed to provide safe sharps bins, proper training, gloves or other PPE, you may be entitled to compensation. Use our personal injury claim calculator for a quick estimate, or read more about your rights after an accident at work. Employers' safety duties are set out by the Health and Safety Executive.
What you can claim for
The injury itself
The pain, wound and any infection or scarring from the needle or sharp.
Psychological distress
Anxiety, stress and sleepless nights during the wait for test results.
Tests and treatment
Blood tests, post-exposure medication, vaccinations and follow-up care.
Lost earnings
Pay lost while you recover, attend appointments or are off work.
Travel and expenses
Mileage and costs of getting to hospital and medical appointments.
Impact on daily life
Strain on relationships, intimacy and everyday activities while you wait.
You may have a claim if…
You were injured by a needle, blade or other sharp while at work
Your employer fell short on sharps bins, training, safe disposal or PPE
The injury happened within the last 3 years
You needed blood tests, treatment, time off or suffered anxiety as a result
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, confidential chat — no obligation, no jargon.
02
We assess your claim
We review the incident, your medical records and your employer's safety failings.
03
We build your case
We gather evidence, arrange any medical reports and handle the employer and insurers.
04
You’re compensated
We negotiate the best settlement we can and keep you updated at every stage.
Needlestick injury claim FAQs
Is a needlestick injury claim really No Win No Fee?+
Yes. We run these claims under a No Win No Fee agreement, so there's nothing to pay upfront and no fee at all if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee (capped at 25% of your compensation for personal injury) is deducted from your award — we'll explain every figure clearly before you sign.
How long do I have to make a claim?+
In England and Wales you usually have 3 years from the date of the injury to start a claim. There are limited exceptions, so it's always best to ring us as soon as you can while the evidence is fresh.
Will claiming affect my job?+
It shouldn't. It's unlawful for your employer to sack you, single you out or treat you badly simply for making a genuine personal injury claim. Your case is normally handled through your employer's insurers, not paid from their own pocket, and we can advise if you're worried about any unfair treatment.
What if I don't know whose needle injured me?+
You can still claim. The case usually turns on your employer's safety failings — such as missing sharps bins, poor disposal procedures or a lack of training — rather than identifying the original patient. We focus on whether you were kept safe at work.
What laws protect me from sharps injuries at work?+
Your employer owes you a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the Health and Safety (Sharps Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 set specific rules on safe sharps, disposal and training. Breaching these can support your claim.
How much could my needlestick injury claim be worth?+
Every case is different and depends on your injury, the testing you went through and the impact on your life and work. We can give you a realistic, no-pressure estimate after a short chat — try our online calculator for a quick guide in the meantime.
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