Hand arm vibration syndrome compensation

Symptoms of hand arm vibration syndrome

There are a variety of symptoms associated with hand arm vibration syndrome and vibration white finger. The following symptoms have been compiled as a guide, but your doctor or medical professional is the best person to advise you on this.

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 fingers
• Poor blood flow in fingers even when stimulated

Again, these are just examples of symptoms we have seen through handling a number of hand arm vibration syndrome compensation claims and your doctor is the best person to advise you if you are suffering any different symptoms. However, if necessary, once we decide to take on your claim, we may arrange for an independent medical examination to help prove the connection between your injury and your work. This is nothing to worry about and is merely to determine the extent of your injuries which will in turn dictate the amount of compensation you may be eligible for.

Hand arm vibration syndrome - employer responsibility 

If you have developed hand arm vibration syndrome whilst at work or through the excessive use of power tools you may be entitled compensation.

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.

If you feel your employer has failed to ensure your safety and you have suffered a personal injury such as hand arm vibration syndrome, contact our industrial disease experts.

There are strict time limits placed on HAVS compensation claims especially those regarding cases prior to 1975.

In 1975 the DD43 ‘Guide to the Evaluation of Exposure of the Human Hand/Arm’ was produced and distributed, providing employers with a better understanding of hand arm vibration syndrome, whilst the Taylor-Pelmear scale was introduced to asses this condition.

Because of this, claims regarding injuries prior to 1975 are sometimes ruled in favour of the employer as VWF and HAVS were not widely known. However, this should not discourage people from making historical claims as you are still eligible to pursue a compensation claim for your injury.

Making a compensation claim for HAVS and VWF

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. Enquiring costs nothing and initial advice is free. We also handle all claims on a no win, no fee basis which means there is no risk to you.

Call on 0203 816 0065 to speak to an expert about your claim.