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What is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
About Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Am I at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
Workers exposed to Vibrating Power Tools
Symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Signs to look our for if you think you are developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Am I entitled to make a claim for Compensation for HAVS?
Rights to make Hand Arm Vibration Claim
Clients we have helped claim HAVS Compensation
Successful Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claims
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Compensation Claim Advice
Begin a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Claim
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is an industrial injury which mainly affects people who operate vibrating power tools.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome was more commonly referred to as Vibration White Finger or VWF in the past until it was realised that there were many more symptoms connected to the illness than just having white fingers. The illness is now more accurately referred to as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.
If you are diagnosed as suffering from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome as a result of being exposed to vibrating power tools at work, you may be able to make a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claim for compensation.
People most at risk from developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS are those who use vibrating power tools or machines such as chainsaws, concrete breakers, grinders, hammer drills, hedge trimmers, mowers, pedestal grinders, pneumatic drills and sanders for long periods of time.
It is your employer's duty to protect you from being harmed at work; therefore if you develop Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome as a result of your working conditions, you may be able to make a Hand Arm Vibration claim.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome affects the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles in the arms, hands and wrists of the person.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome can become disabling if the symptoms are ignored; therefore if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms and you have worked or still work with vibrating power tools or machinery, speak to your GP with your concerns.
Symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome include:
a cold sensation in the fingers
a feeling of numbness in the fingertips
a tingling sensation in the fingers
a whitening of the skin on the fingers.
The above symptoms may prevent you from sleeping properly and may prevent you from being able to feel things with your fingers or pick up small or heavy objects. You may also find that some of the symptoms are worse in cold weather.
If you notice these initial symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS and then continue to work with the vibrating tools or machines, the condition can get worse resulting in the numbness and pain being permanent.
If you have developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome as a result of using power tools at work, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
In the 1970’s it was recognised that vibrating power tools could cause Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and a duty of care was placed upon employers to protect their employees from this danger.
Since this time, many people have made successful claims for compensation. One particular industry which has given rise to thousands of claims is the coal mining industry, where vibrating power tools were used on a daily basis.
If you require any more help and advice regarding making a personal injury claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Compensation, contact us.
Thompsons Solicitors have a network of offices based around the United Kingdom. We have many specialist personal injury lawyers who deal exclusively with claims for industrial illnesses and in particular for victims of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.
Below, are just two examples of thank you letters we have received from satisfied clients. To read other thank you letters, visit our Clients Comments page.
£15,000 compensation for construction worker who developed HAVS
Mr Hampton worked for a construction company from 1979 and used vibrating tools every day for approximately eight hours a day. The tools he used included hydraulic breakers and wacker plates.
He approached Thompsons Solicitors for help after he developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and our specialist personal injury lawyers recovered £15,000 compensation for him.
His thank you letter read "I would just like to take the opportunity to thank you for all the work you did for me regarding my claim for Vibration White Finger Syndrome. I have received all the cheques you sent to me and I cannot thank you enough."
£6,761.03 compensation for victim of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Janet Lucas' father contracted Vibration White Finger after working with the National Coal Board. Mr Lucas has since passed away; however, Thompsons specialist personal injury solicitors have recovered £6,671.03 Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome compensation for him which has been paid to his widow.
Janet Lucas wrote to Thompsons and her thank you letter said "May I take this opportunity to thank Thompsons for the way they have handled all matters relating to the initial and the subsequent 'services' claims. Throughout the process your firm has been encouraging, informative and particularly since my father died, sensitive in all communications. If he had been alive my father would have been delighted to have received this rightful compensation and it will be a great help to my mother at this time in her life. Thank you again for all your support."
If you or someone you know has developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim including Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claims. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.