Irwin Mitchell’s specialised workplace illness team has helped a man claim compensation after he was diagnosed with a condition known as hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Our client, who is in his early 40s, was employed as a groundwork labourer for over 10 years, from 2000 to 2010. During this period he worked in the same capacity with four different companies, Dean & Dyball Workforce Limited, Douglas Porteous Limited, PJ Kingwell & Sons Limited and Glanville Cleansing Limited.
Across each of the four employers our client used a variety of hand held vibrating tools to perform his duties, including jackhammers, road saws, Stihl saws, wacker plates and vibrating pokers.
As a result of this extensive exposure to vibration our client developed painful symptoms affecting both hands, including the loss of sensitivity in his fingers and his ability to perform fine tasks. He is now blighted with daily attacks of numbness and tingling in his fingers which are made worse when spending time outside in cold or wet conditions.
Our client decided to contact Irwin Mitchell’s specialised workplace illness team and one of our experienced solicitors, Mark Lennon, was able to deal with his claim. With Mark’s help we were able to secure the client £22,500 in compensation.
Mark Lennon of Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office commented: "Each of the four companies who exposed my client to excessive levels of vibration robustly defended this case and a tough legal battle ensued. I formally commenced proceedings on behalf of my client and secured supportive evidence of his work related condition.
"The defendants produced witness evidence to oppose my client’s allegations. The Court also gave the defendants permission to obtain their own medical evidence. However, when my client attended the defendants’ preferred medical expert, his conclusions were that my client did indeed suffer from the symptoms he described, and that they were caused by his work with his former employers.
"I am pleased in this case to secure a settlement for my client which reflects the pain and suffering he encounters and compensates him for the restrictions his injury places on his future employment.
"There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. It is important where a person suspects that their health has been compromised by work-related vibratory exposure, that they seek a diagnosis as soon as possible and specialist legal advice. We will be happy to talk you through the process of making a compensation claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have."
Our specialist personal injury lawyers could help you to claim compensation for vibration white finger (VWF), otherwise known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). See our Vibration White Finger Compensation page for more information.
Back to Client Stories
