Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Vibration White Finger Claim for Council Worker
9th January 2009
With help from our specialist personal injury lawyers, a council employe recovered compensation in respect of the condition vibration white finger, which he developed due to his working conditions.
Industrial Disease
Vibration white finger, also known as hand arm vibration syndrome (or HAVS), is caused by excessive exposure to vibration, usually through the use of vibrating tools or equipment. It disrupts the flow of blood in the fingers, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and coldness, often with a loss of dexterity or grip.
Our client worked extensively with tools such as jack hammers, rammers, whacker plates, strimmers, chipper saws and kango hammers. These were used to carry out tasks such as digging up roads and gullies, replacing street lighting, repairing manholes and drainage work. He would work with these tools for long periods at a time, without any system of job rotation or regular rest breaks in place.
As a result of his condition, he is no longer able to carry out the type of work he used to do. He also finds many day to day tasks more difficult because of his symptoms.
Compensation Claim
The claimant felt that the council was responsible for his condition, as they did not provide him with a safe system of work, sufficient protective equipment or adequate information about the dangers of working with vibrating tools.
He appointed our lawyers, who have extensive experience in personal injury and industrial disease claims, to assist him in recovering compensation. His employer initially refused to negotiate a settlement, so court proceedings were commenced and an award of £10,000 damages was eventually awarded.
Vibration White Finger Claims
If you are suffering from vibration white finger, or any other work related illness or personal injury, you may be in a position to claim compensation.
Contact The Legal Line for cost free, specialist advice on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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