Vibration White Finger Claims Solicitors
Vibration White Finger Claims Solicitors
Vibration White Finger is a preventable condition – if you’re suffering due to employer negligence, claim the compensation that’s rightfully yours.
- Experts in claiming Vibration White Finger Compensation.
- Experience bringing claims against Industrial Workplaces across Northern Ireland.
- Clear communication throughout your case.
- Accessible legal support tailored to your financial situation.
- Free Consultation to discuss your eligibility.
Vibration White Finger Claims in Northern Ireland
Vibration White Finger (VWF), also known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Raynaud’s Disease, is a debilitating condition resulting from prolonged use of vibrating tools. Affecting blood circulation to the fingers and hands, VWF causes numbness, pain and difficulty handling objects – which can severely impact daily activities as well as the ability to work.
As cases of Vibration White Finger continue to be reported under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme, it’s clear many industries still face these work-related health risks throughout the UK & NI.
For those suffering from Vibration White Finger, not only is it important to claim compensation for your own sense of justice, it’s also a key step in holding employers accountable for proper safety measures and prevention strategies. By making a White Finger Claim, you’ll recoup the losses your injuries have caused whilst also improving Northern Ireland’s working environments for the future.
Symptoms of Vibration White Finger
Symptoms of Vibration White Finger can start within a few months but usually develop over several years of using vibrating tools. They may appear sporadically, typically triggered by cold, and can worsen or become constant without proper management.
Vibration White Finger Symptoms Include:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers
- Episodes of finger blanching (whiteness followed by redness)
- Loss of sensation and manual dexterity
- Fingers turning white or blue, especially in cold conditions
- Pain and discomfort in the affected areas
- Reduced grip strength
If exposure to vibration tools is continuous, vibration white finger can become permanent. It’s therefore vital for employers to enforce correct health and safety measures within industrial workplaces as a preventive measure.
Causes of Vibration White Finger
Vibration White Finger is particularly common in workplaces that frequently use vibrating equipment, especially within construction, manufacturing, and mining industries.
In Northern Ireland, Vibration White Finger is high among workers in industries like construction and manufacturing. According to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), these sectors report a significant number of new assessments for VWF.
Working with the following industrial equipment could make you more at risk of developing Vibration White Finger:
- Power drills
- Jackhammers
- Chainsaws
- Grinders
- Sanders
- Impact wrenches
- Concrete breakers
- Pneumatic tools
- Hand-held vibratory tools
- Hedge trimmers
While any industrial workplace has a degree of risk, Vibration White Finger is a condition that can and should be prevented through effective workplace health and safety measures.
Employers have a duty of care to protect employees by implementing measures such as providing adequate training on the safe use of vibrating tools, supplying vibration-dampening equipment, and scheduling regular breaks to minimise exposure. Additionally, conducting risk assessments and implementing engineering controls are crucial for preventing the onset of VWF among workers.
Who Can Make a Vibration White Finger Claim?
Anyone who has developed Vibration White Finger due to employer negligence has the right to make a claim for compensation. This includes individuals working in industries prone to vibration exposure, where employers have failed to provide adequate protection and preventative measures.
Those who could be eligible to make a Vibration White Finger claim include Construction Workers, Manufacturing Operatives, Miners, Quarry Workers, Foundry Workers, Farmers, Forestry Workers, Mechanics, Shipyard Workers or Road Maintenance Workers.
We bring VWF claims against many different employers in Northern Ireland, two of the most common employers are Wrightbus and Shorts/Bombardier.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team can assess your case for free and advise you on how best to proceed.
Vibration White Finger Claim Process
We keep our personal injury claim process simple and straightforward, with a team avoid using unnecessary legal jargon and are here to support you during every step of your claim:
Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Start your Vibration White Finger claim by contacting our experienced personal injury solicitors, who will provide a free and friendly initial consultation to evaluate your case.
Step 2: Gather Information
If we think you have a suitable case, we’ll start gathering crucial evidence. This may include witness statements from colleagues who can attest to your exposure to vibrating tools, and any relevant workplace safety reports highlighting lapses in safety procedures that contributed to your VWF condition.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
Next, we can arrange for you to take part in an independent medical assessment to evaluate the full extent of your Vibration White Finger symptoms.
Step 4: Negotiate Compensation
Using all this information, our expert solicitors will negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your Vibration White Finger condition.
Step 5: Receive Compensation
Once a settlement is reached, we’ll make sure you receive your compensation quickly so that you have the financial support to focus on your recovery.
Vibration White Finger Claim Time Limit
In the UK and Northern Ireland, you generally have three years to make a vibration white finger claim. This time limit starts from the date you first became aware that your condition might be related to your work.
Exceptions to this time limit may apply in certain circumstances. For example, if symptoms were only diagnosed years later, the time might begin from the diagnosis date. Also, for those under the age of 18, the time limit extends until their 21st birthday.
If you’re unsure which time limit applies to your circumstances, contact us for free and we can confirm if you’re still within the claim window time frame.
Vibration White Finger Compensation
Compensation for Vibration White Finger Claims is tailored to your specific circumstances, reflecting the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.
It will be awarded under General Damages and Special Damages.
General Damages covers pain and suffering, providing compensation for things like ongoing discomfort. Special Damages compensates for lost earnings and medical expenses, and could cover costs of treatment and therapy.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland provides guidelines for potential compensation amounts for Vibration White Finger (VWF), based on various degrees of impact and symptoms.It’s important to note these figures are guidelines only and do not represent the full compensation you might receive.
- Extensive Blanching of Fingers: £25,000 – £42,500
- Blanching of Fingers: £15,000 – £25,000
- Blanching of Fingertips: Up to £15,000
For a more accurate estimate of what your vibration white finger claim could be worth, contact our solicitors today.
Why Choose Reid Black?
Our team has a strong track record of handling industrial injury cases across Northern Ireland, successfully bringing claims against numerous workplaces who have failed to provide a duty of care to their employees. We truly listen to your unique story and are committed to helping you secure the compensation that can help recoup your life.
Our Specialist Vibration White Finger Claim Solicitors
Our Specialist Vibration White Finger Claim Solicitors
6 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Danielle is Head of the Industrial Disease Claims Department in our Belfast office.
- She specialises in all forms of industrial disease claims and work-related claims.
- Danielle offers a free consultation to discuss if you have a case to bring.
- You receive 100% of the compensation awarded to you, we will not deduct any legal fees.
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Seamus is our senior partner and is recognised as one of Northern Ireland's leading litigation solicitors.
- He has experience in all areas of litigation, specialising in complex personal injury cases.
- Seamus provide a free consultation to discuss starting your claim.
- You receive 100% of the compensation awarded to you, we will not deduct any legal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Secure Your Vibration White Finger Compensation Payout
If you or a loved one are suffering from Vibration White Finger, don’t wait to seek the compensation you deserve – every moment matters in restoring your quality of life. Contact our solicitors today, and let us help you navigate your claim with compassion.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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