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Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 4 Winter Arena |
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Silver service
Legal Plus proved a recipe for success for chef Mandy Mason who received £10,500 in compensation after she injured her back at work.
"My union membership was invaluable. I don't know what I'd have done without the union's financial backing and support," said Mandy, 38, from Mid Lothian in Scotland. "I couldn't return to work so there was no money coming in and the bills were piling up. There's no way I could have afforded a solicitor to sort things out for me."
The accident happened in June 2003 when Mandy worked in the restaurant at the Ikea store in Edinburgh. "It was the end of the day and I was pulling the heavy wheelie bins out to the back of the building when I felt a twinge in my back," said Mandy.
"I was in pain but managed to finish what I was doing and went home. The next day I struggled to get into my car. The pain worsened and started to spread down my lower back and right leg. I went to see my doctor and I was signed off work, given painkillers and sent for physiotherapy.
"It was a terrible time. I couldn't cope with anything around the house, my husband David had to do everything for me."
After the accident Mandy contacted her local Usdaw office. Legal Plus forms were sent out and a union appointed solicitor in Edinburgh took up her case.
"My solicitors were fantastic, expert advice every step of the way. My case dragged on for four years but thank god Usdaw were there for me. They paid for everything.
"I'll never be without my union membership now."
www.usdaw.org.uk/member_services/legal_services
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