HAVS compensation claims - hand arm vibration syndrome & injury - vibration white finger

The use of hand-held vibrating power tools is common in many industries, particularly construction and manufacturing. Persistent and excessive use of such equipment, however, can lead to a range of painful medical conditions affecting the hands, wrists and fingers. This includes vibration white finger (VWF), otherwise known as hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which causes severe pain in the fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a nerve disorder affecting the hand and whole-body vibration (WBV).

How to make a vibration injury claim

At Stephensons we have a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers with specialist experience in dealing with accident at work claims and industrial disease claims including vibration white finger and hand arm vibration compensation claims. If you feel you have developed vibration white finger or hand arm vibration syndrome as a direct result of your working environment or feel your employer has failed to implement the appropriate safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury, contact us on 01616 966 229.

We understand how devastating it can be if you are suffering from vibration white finger or hand arm vibration syndrome and we are fully aware of the amount of stress this injury can cause, emotionally as well as financially, on a family. With this in mind we will fight for the maximum amount of compensation at all times to ensure you have access to the very best rehabilitation services, medical treatments and any ongoing services you may need to aid your recovery and protect your quality of life.

What is hand arm vibration syndrome and vibration white finger?

Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and disabling condition which comes from the use of hand-held vibrating power tools.

Until recently hand arm vibration syndrome was known as vibration white finger or VWF, this was until medical professionals realised there were far more symptoms associated with this injury than just having white fingers.

What are the symptoms of a vibration injury?

Some of the common warning signs of developing HAVS or VWF are as follows:

Loss of strength in hands and arm
Loss of dexterity - loss of the ability to grasp small objects, tie shoe laces fasten buttons etc
Tingling, numbness or pain in the hands arm or fingers
Continuous swelling or throbbing of the fingers
Whiteness or redness of the skin or fingers
Poor blood flow in fingers even when stimulated

Who is at risk of a vibration injury?

If you work with hand-held vibrating power tools for extended periods of time as part of your job, you would be classed as ‘at risk’. Commonly those who work with the following machinery can develop this condition:

Chainsaws
Concrete breakers
Jack hammers
Grinders
Jigger picks
Impact wrenches
Hammer drills
Pneumatic drills

Hedge trimmers
Lawn mowers
Pedestal grinders
Angle grinders
Sanders
Whacker plates
Riveting tools

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many more tools which can cause a gradual injury to your hand or arms due to regular and consistent use.

What are my employer’s responsibilities?

Your employer has a duty of care to ensure you are provided with the appropriate training and safety equipment to fulfil your daily tasks safely. In addition they are also responsible for ensuring you are not overexposed to the use of these power tools which could cause injury.

How can I make a claim for a vibration injury?

If you believe that you have developed an industrial illness such as hand arm vibration syndrome as a direct result of your working environment, contact us today and get your compensation claim underway.

As there are strict time limits placed on HAVS and VWF compensation claims, it’s vital that you contact us as soon as possible to increase your chances of a positive outcome.

Our solicitors are experts in dealing with industrial disease and accident at work compensation claims and can help you get the compensation deserve.

We have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors ready to help you pursue a claim. We also handle all claims on a no win, no fee basis which means there is no risk to you.

Call on 01616 966 229 to speak to an expert about your claim, alternatively please complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you directly.

How can I fund a claim for a vibration injury?

In nearly all cases, and this is subject to our early assessment procedure, we are able to offer a conditional fee agreement (no win, no fee). There are however other means of funding, such as the existence of legal expense insurance, and we will be able to assist you in identifying at a very early stage, if this is available to you.