Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
£60,000 Compensation for Vibration White Finger Sufferer
21st April 2009
A panel beater, who developed vibration white finger and had to change his career, recovered damages recently in a compensation claim handled by our specialist personal injury lawyers.
Industrial Disease
Vibration white finger, or hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) as it is now known, is a condition affecting the hands and fingers. It is caused by excessive use of vibrating equipment and the symptoms include coldness, tingling, discomfort and a loss of colour, sensation and dexterity in the fingers.
Our client, a young man in his twenties, worked as a panel beater. In the course of his work he would have to use air powered tools such as drills, grinders, saws, sanders and impact guns for long periods at a time. No information was given to him about the risks of using these tools, or how he could work more safely by using gloves, taking rest breaks and limiting the time on each piece of equipment.
He began to suffer significant problems with his hands and was diagnosed with vibration white finger after tests at hospital. His condition meant that he was no longer able to continue in the job he was qualified for and he was redeployed to an office-based role, with a significant drop in earnings.
Compensation Claim
The claimant felt that his employer was responsible for his condition, so appointed our lawyers, who specialise in industrial disease cases, to assist him in making a personal injury claim.
Evidence of his exposure to vibration was provided and the claim was successful. Our lawyers recovered £60,000 in compensation on his behalf. This sum was in respect of the injury he suffered and also his present and future loss of earnings, bonus and pension entitlements and the disadvantage he now faces on the open labour market.
After his condition was diagnosed, his employer also increased their health and safety measures. Employees were given more information and warning stickers were added to the tools to impose time restrictions on their use.
Injury Claim Advice
If you have suffered an injury at work or developed an industrial disease, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in all areas of personal injury and can provide specialist advice and assistance on a cost free basis. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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