Vibration White Finger Claims

If you have developed vibration white finger (VWF) or hand-arm vibration (HAVS) due to repetitive use of a vibrating tool as part of your work, the personal injury solicitors at JMW are here to help you claim compensation. Suffering from either of these conditions can have a marked impact on your everyday life and may mean you are no longer able to carry out your work as you did before.

Our legal experts have the experience and knowledge necessary to build a watertight case and will help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Speak to a member of the team today about starting your vibration white finger claim or hand-arm vibration claim by getting in touch today. Call us on 0345 872 6666 or allow us to call you back at a convenient time by completing our online enquiry form.

How JMW Can Help

We have handled many vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome claims to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve. We work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you aren’t at financial risk when you choose to make a claim with us. Our goal is to ensure that you get the maximum compensation for your injury; the compensation that you rightly deserve.

Our team of expert solicitors will demonstrate that it was negligence on the part of your employer that directly led to your vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome symptoms. We will ensure you are aware of, and comfortable with, the legal process of claiming compensation in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, and update you with details of all the work we do to further your case.

What is Vibration White Finger Syndrome?

Vibration white finger, or hand-arm vibration syndrome, can be described as a debilitating condition that affects people who frequently use vibrating tools in their work. It's characterised by symptoms such as tingling, numbness and a whitening (blanching) of the fingers, particularly noticeable during cold weather. VWF can significantly impact an individual's daily life and ability to work.

An Employer's Responsibility

Employers have a duty to ensure that employees using equipment that could potentially cause harm or damage are given appropriate training. The DD43 Guide to the Evaluation of the Human Hand/Arm System aims to provide employers with an understanding of the causes of vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome. Since 1975 and the publication of the DD43 Guide, employers have been expected to understand that workers who are exposed to vibration from power tools and machinery on a regular basis are at risk of suffering vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration.

Employers should, therefore, take adequate precautions to protect their workers, including:

• Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) such as anti-vibration gloves
• Giving adequate rest breaks
• Providing appropriate instructions on using tools correctly
• Having anti-vibration measures in place to minimise vibration sustained
• Ensuring that vibrating power equipment is properly maintained

If an employer fails in their duty to protect you from the risks associated with these conditions, you will be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Vibration White Finger Prevention

Prevention and awareness are key in reducing the risk of developing vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome. By implementing effective preventive measures and raising awareness about these conditions, the risk to workers can be significantly minimised. These include:

1. Educating workers: regular training sessions about the risks associated with vibrating tools and the importance of regular breaks are essential.
2. Using the right equipment: encouraging the use of tools with lower vibration levels and providing anti-vibration gloves.
3. Regular health check-ups: employers should arrange for regular medical examinations for workers using vibrating tools to detect early symptoms.
4. Workplace adjustments: modifying work schedules to limit exposure to vibration and rotating tasks.

Eligibility for Vibration White Finger Compensation Claims

To qualify for a personal injury claim for vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome claims, you must be able to prove that your condition is work-related, specifically due to the use of vibrating tools or machinery. This includes prolonged exposure to equipment such as power drills, chainsaws and pneumatic drills.

You must also be able to show that your injury has had a tangible impact on your life, causing you emotional distress, financial instability or costs, or physical discomfort.

The timeframe for making a claim is also an important factor. Generally, you have three years from the date you become aware of your condition to initiate a claim. However, this can vary in certain circumstances:

• For cases involving a minor, a claim can be made on their behalf at any time up until their 18th birthday. From then, they have three years (until the age of 21) to bring their claim.
• If you are claiming on behalf of someone who doesn’t have the mental capacity to do so themselves, the time limit may not apply at all.
• If the link between the condition and its cause was not established until a long time after the event, the time limit may begin from the date you made the connection.

Whatever the circumstances of your situation, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to understand the specifics of your case.

How Much is a Vibration White Finger Claim Worth?

Calculating the compensation for a vibration white finger claim involves several factors, each contributing to the final amount that can be awarded. It's important to understand these factors to set realistic expectations about your claim's potential worth.

Key factors influencing vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration compensation amounts include:

1. Severity of symptoms: the extent of numbness, tingling and loss of dexterity. More severe symptoms typically result in higher compensation.
2. Impact on employment: if vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome has affected your ability to work, especially in your chosen profession.
3. Medical expenses: costs incurred for treatment, including any ongoing therapy or medication.
4. Quality of life: the impact on your daily activities, hobbies and overall quality of life.
5. Future prognosis: any future implications of your condition, such as potential worsening of symptoms or the need for prolonged treatment.

Generally speaking, in cases where there is a significant impact on quality of life and employment, the compensation can be substantially higher.

It's important to note that each vibration white finger claim is unique. At JMW, our experts will provide a general estimate of what your claim could be worth, but the true amount will become clear in time.

How to Claim for Vibration White Finger

Taking legal action for your injury can seem daunting, but with JMW, the process is efficient and transparent. We recognise that every case is unique, but here is a general structure that you can expect your VWF compensation claim to follow:

1. Initial consultation: contact JMW to discuss your case. This first conversation will help us to understand the specifics of your condition and work history, and establish how we can help you. During this consultation, our team will help you to understand the viability of your claim, how much compensation you may be able to claim and explain the claims process.
2. Gathering evidence: collecting evidence is an essential part of any compensation claim. Evidence will likely include medical records confirming your diagnosis of vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome, details of your employment history and any proof of your employer's negligence in providing a safe working environment.
3. Claim submission: once you and your solicitor have built a strong argument as to why you are entitled to compensation, we will formally submit your claim, outlining the impact of your condition on your life and work, and the compensation you seek.
4. Negotiation and settlement: most personal injury claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate with the employer or their insurance company to secure a fair compensation amount.
5. Court proceedings (where necessary): in the rare case that the other party doesn't agree on the compensation amount you deserve, your solicitor may escalate your claim to court. If this happens, your solicitor will stand by you and fight for your rights throughout the court proceedings, presenting your evidence as an argument.
6. Resolution: once an agreement is reached, we will make sure the other party meets their obligations and you receive your compensation. Our no win, no fee arrangement means you won't face financial risk during the process.

Throughout the claims process, we maintain a transparent and client-focused approach. We'll keep you informed at every stage, ensuring you understand your rights and the progression of your claim.

Why Choose JMW?

Choosing the right legal representation is vital to the success of your compensation claim. JMW's team of solicitors specialises in a range of personal injury and workplace injury compensation claims, including those for vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome. We bring a wealth of experience and a track record of successful outcomes in this area.

Understanding the physical and emotional impact of vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome, we approach each case with sensitivity and empathy. Our client-focused service means we tailor our approach to suit your individual needs and circumstances, ensuring you feel supported throughout the claim process.

For all of our personal injury claims, JMW operates on a no win, no fee basis, providing peace of mind and accessibility to our services, regardless of your financial situation. This arrangement demonstrates our confidence in our ability to secure the compensation you deserve, and means you are at minimal financial risk when deciding to take legal action with our support.

We believe in keeping our clients informed and involved. Regular updates and clear explanations of legal procedures are part of our commitment to transparency. Our primary goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for the suffering and losses caused by your condition. We are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable and advocating for safer workplace practices.

To read more about our successes across many areas of personal injury law, visit our case studies page.