white finger claims solicitors

What is vibration white finger?

Vibration white finger (VWF) is a type of hand-arm vibration (HAVS) injury that can occur due to excessive usage of vibrating tools. This condition primarily affects the blood vessels, particularly in the fingers and thumbs, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations. Vibration white finger can cause symptoms that last from a few minutes to several hours, and can have long-lasting impacts on muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system.

Common symptoms of vibration white finger include the whitening of the fingers, starting from the fingertips before spreading to the palm, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers, loss of hand or arm strength leading to difficulties in gripping objects, weakness in the muscles and hands. In severe cases, it can lead to disability and reduced quality of life. The most common cause of this condition is the excessive use of vibrating tools, particularly if they are not handled correctly.

What are the symptoms of vibration white finger?

Vibration white finger (VWF) is a type of hand-arm vibration injury, typically resulting from the excessive use of vibrating tools. The condition can impact the blood vessels, most notably in the fingers and thumbs, leading to a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling, and even long-term effects on the muscles, bones, joints, and nervous system.

The most common symptoms of VWF include the whitening of the fingers, starting at the fingertips and spreading down to the palm. Individuals with this condition may also experience numbness and tingling in their hands and fingers. Another common symptom is a loss of hand or arm strength, which can lead to a decreased grip and difficulties in picking up objects. Weakness in the muscles of the hands is also a typical symptom. In advanced stages, VWF can lead to disability and a reduced quality of life.

What is the most common cause of vibration white finger?

The primary cause of vibration white finger is typically the excessive and incorrect usage of vibrating tools.

What is the time limit to claim for vibration white finger?

In the majority of situations, a claim for vibration white finger must be made within three years from the day the symptoms first began. However, certain circumstances may alter this time frame. If the equipment causing the injuries was found to be faulty, claims can be made three years after the fault was discovered. If the victim was under 18 at the time, claims can be made up until their 21st birthday. In instances where the individual has passed away, their family has three years from the day of passing or the post-mortem date to make a claim. The time limits for claims related to working abroad may be different and are often shorter.

Are there exceptions to the three-year statute of limitation?

While in most cases, a three-year time frame applies for claiming compensation for vibration white finger, there are certain exceptions. If the equipment that caused the injuries was found to be faulty, the three-year limit can start from the time the fault was discovered. For individuals who were under 18 when the symptoms started, claims can be made up until the claimant’s 21st birthday. In situations where a person has passed away, their family has three years from the date of death or the post-mortem to make a claim. It should be noted that time limits for claims related to working abroad might be different and often shorter.

What expenses can be claimed for Special Damages in vibration white finger cases?

In vibration white finger cases, Special Damages can be claimed to cover a variety of expenses that may have been incurred due to the injury. This includes any loss of income or pension that may have resulted from the condition.

The claimant could also claim for any costs associated with their rehabilitation or ongoing medical treatment. Additionally, if the injured individual had to make alterations to their home due to their condition, such expenses can also be claimed under Special Damages.

Furthermore, any costs associated with care received, even if provided by a family member or friend, can be claimed. Lastly, any out-of-pocket expenses that either the claimant or their carer may have incurred due to the condition can be claimed for as Special Damages.

Am I eligible to make a vibration white finger compensation claim?

You may be eligible to make a vibration white finger compensation claim if your condition was caused due to negligence on the part of your employer. It’s essential to remember that you can claim if your symptoms were a result of your employer’s negligence. You generally have up to three years from the date your symptoms began to make a claim for vibration white finger. The amount of compensation you may receive for vibration white finger will depend on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. According to the law, you cannot be terminated, demoted, or excluded from any usually available opportunities because you have initiated a claim.

Vibration white finger is a type of hand-arm vibration injury caused by excessive use of vibrating tools. It can affect the body’s blood vessels, most commonly in the fingers and thumbs, causing numbness or tingling. These symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours and can have long-term effects on the muscles, bones, joints, and nervous system.

Employers are legally obligated to provide a duty of care to their employees. This includes ensuring all staff are appropriately trained, and the workplace is safe. Laws such as The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, part of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, are specifically in place to protect workers from developing conditions like vibration white finger. If you can demonstrate that your employer failed in their duty of care and that this negligence contributed to your injuries, you can claim compensation.

What evidence is required to support a vibration white finger claim?

To support a vibration white finger claim, specific evidence is required to establish that the injury was caused by workplace activities and resulted from the employer’s negligence. This evidence may include relevant medical records, including a diagnosis of vibration white finger, a record of your employment history with details of the equipment used that may have caused your condition, and any photographic or video evidence of the faulty equipment.

Contact information and statements from work colleagues willing to testify on your behalf, copies of accident reports, health and safety records, and risk assessments may also be required. A record of all loss of earnings, including any relevant receipts and expenses incurred because of your condition, would be needed. The evidence collected will be used to build a case demonstrating that the employer failed in their duty of care, leading to the injury.

What industries are most at risk of vibration white finger?

The sectors that are most vulnerable to vibration white finger are those that extensively use handheld vibrating tools. These industries include mining, agriculture, construction, and engineering. Workers in these fields are often required to operate machinery such as pneumatic drills, hammer drills, concrete breakers, jackhammers, chainsaws, riveting tools, fettling tools, grinders, sanders, and disc cutters which can lead to vibration white finger.

How should employers have protected me from vibration white finger risks?

It is your employer’s legal obligation to adhere to The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, which is part of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To protect their employees from the risks of vibration white finger, employers should minimise exposure to vibration in the workplace, enforce strict time limits for the use of vibration equipment, and monitor exposure to vibration closely. They should provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling machinery safely and offer regular training on the use of vibrating tools and equipment.

Further, they should regularly assess the workplace and strive to prevent unnecessary use of vibrating tools. They should conduct a risk assessment for any vibration-related activities that could cause injury and update older equipment with safer, newer alternatives to minimise the risk of vibration injury. Employers could also promote good practices in the workplace such as encouraging staff to grip tools lightly, keep hands warm, maintain activity to promote circulation, and take breaks of at least ten minutes per hour. They should also ensure that employees seek medical attention if symptoms appear, follow all safety guidelines, alert the employer if they are concerned about safety, and utilise all safety equipment with the appropriate training.