Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Production Worker Receives Compensation for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
16th May 2012
A young man was left with a lifelong condition because of unsuitable working conditions. Our expert personal injury lawyers acted on his behalf in an industrial disease claim and he received compensation.
Exposure to Vibration at Work
As part of his job our client had to use vibrating tools, such as breakers and air chisels, on a regular basis. He was not given advice on how long the tools could safely be used for or information about the risks to his health. Our client’s employer did not have a policy of rest breaks or job rotation in place for people using vibrating tools and did not provide protective equipment like gloves or anti-vibration handles.
He began to experience tingling, swelling and a ‘pins and needles’ sensation in his hands and sought medical advice. Tests confirmed he was suffering from hand arm vibration syndrome (or HAVS, often referred to as vibration white finger).
Our client was unable to continue working in the same role because of his condition and there are certain types of work he will no longer be suitable for. His symptoms have deteriorated over time and he now suffers with pain. HAVS is a permanent condition that our client, only in his 20s when he was diagnosed, will have to live with for the rest of his life.
Compensation Claim
We represented the injured employee in a personal injury claim, as his employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect his safety. He was not the only member of staff to suffer a vibration-related injury.
The claimant’s employer refused to admit liability for his condition and it was necessary for us to begin Court proceedings against them. We were able to negotiate a settlement with them before the case went to trial however and our client received £11,000 in damages.
Industrial Injury Advice
If you have been injured in an accident at work, or are suffering from a work-related illness, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
At The Legal Line our lawyers are specialists in personal injury and industrial illness cases and we can provide expert legal advice on a cost-free, confidential basis. Contact us on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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