Arena Magazine 2004 Issue 4

Bringing you the very best in legal aid

What is Legal Plus?

• This is the union's free legal service available to members the minute they join Usdaw.

• It offers advice and representation from lawyers who specialise in work-related cases.

• Members keep all of their compensation, with no hidden fees for insurance premiums, unlike many so-called 'no win no fee' companies.

• It also includes other benefits and help and advice for family members.

• For more information on the Legal Plus service contact your local rep/office.

• Or visit Legal Plus Service section online.

In 2003 Usdaw's Legal Plus service:

• Recovered more than £18 million in compensation for members and their families.

• Handled more than 13,500 cases.

• Represented around 7,600 accident and employment related cases.

• Organised 2,500 free half-hour interviews for members.

• Behind these impressive figures are real life cases where Usdaw has made a real difference to workers' lives.

• Read their stories and make sure you sign up with Usdaw.

Support and help every step of the way

"I don't know what I'd have done without Usdaw," said the 62-year-old great-grandmother from Andover, Hampshire. "The union was with me every step of the way. My union rep and solicitor were excellent. They provided real help and support at a time when I needed it most."

Georgina was first injured in May 1999 when she tripped on discarded tape left on the shopfloor. The following month she was knocked down by an overloaded trolley, aggravating the injuries she had sustained earlier. Her employment was terminated due to ill-health in 2001. Georgina's case was settled earlier this year. "Even though I don't work anymore I still pay my union subs. You never know when you or your family will need Usdaw's help and advice."

Wayne's world rocked by back injury but Usdaw aids recovery

Lifting heavy awkward loads is an occupational hazard for Usdaw members, but when that load is too heavy and too awkwardly placed, serious injury can follow. That's what happened to 33 year-old Wayne who sustained severe muscle damage to his lower back in 1999.

"I was working at the Somerfield store in Bridgewater, Somerset at the time picking cases," said the father-of-two. "As I bent down and stretched for one I felt a sharp pain at the base of my spine. "The accident caused me a lot of pain and a lot of time off. I've only just returned to work on a part-time basis.

"If it wasn't for the union's help I'd have been lost. My local rep told me to contact Usdaw's legal department. From that point on I was given excellent legal advice. Most importantly it didn't cost me a penny. I also received first-class medical care.

"Knowing you have the union behind you helps a great deal. This situation could have been massively stressful but, with Usdaw's backing, my worries and stress levels were kept to a minimum. I wouldn't be without my membership. Nor would my family."

Wayne's case was settled in February this year.

'So glad' she joined

"I'd worked for Index for two years when Littlewoods took them over," said the 39 year-old mother-of-three. "It was only then that I joined Usdaw and I'm so glad I did."

The accident happened in August 2000 when Jennifer worked at the Index Newport store in Gwent. She sustained severe head and neck injuries when a shelving unit fell on top of her. "I was in agony," said Jennifer. "I had a thumping headache for days. After my doctor referred me to the hospital, I had physiotherapy but improvement was slow. I then had a scan which revealed a severe muscle tear around the neck area which hindered the movement on my right side."

Surgery followed. This helped, but Jennifer will never recover 100 per cent. "I still have to take painkillers and have many sleepless nights." Her employment was terminated on health grounds two years ago. Her case was settled in January this year.

"It's not been easy, but thank goodness I had the union behind me. I'd still be waiting for treatment now and would be struggling financially. I'd never be without my union membership these days."

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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