August 2007 - Compensation follows Nurse attack

A Broadmoor Hospital staff nurse has agreed a settlement of £21,500 in compensation after she was attacked twice by the same patient.

The first attack against Lucia Johnson occurred when a patient threw objects at her, causing injuries to her nose and hand.

The second incident occurred when the patient was trying to commit suicide and Mrs Johnson and three other members of staff intervened. This time she was punched on the chin and the right shoulder. After the incident she had to have several months off work.

It emerged that there had been previous complaints about the patient, but no action was taken to move him to a more secure unit with more staff supervision.

The NHS Trust acknowledged that the attacks had taken place and agreed a settlement with Mrs Johnson.

Tanveer Jaleel, senior partner at TJL Solicitors comments: “If you have been injured at your workplace as a result of your employer's failure to provide adequate protection against potential risks, then you could be entitled to compensation.”