Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

The personal injury and medical accident lawyers at Bond Pearce have experience in dealing with claims involving Vibration White Finger (VWF) and hand-arm vibration syndrome. Below you will find the different types of compensation awarded and also some case examples which show what a difference specialist legal knowledge can make to a claim.

The different types of compensation appropriate to Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.

Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome entitles a successful claimant to seek compensation for general damages (this is intended to compensate for the pain, injury, suffering and loss of amenity caused by Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) and special damages (to compensate for the losses and expenses incurred in the past and in the future)

These are the guideline awards of general damages for Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, suggested by the Judicial Studies Board:

The different types of special damages and other compensation particularly relevant to Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome:

It is always necessary to consider whether an additional award of general damages is necessary to compensate the effect of Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome on the individual's career prospects.

Other common items include past and future lost earnings; treatment, medication and therapy costs and the travel and incidental costs of obtaining these.

In many Vibration White Finger and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome cases Bond Pearce can help you obtain an early payment on account of your damages, to assist an early rehabilitation.

Fred's VWF

Fred suffered from a severe case of VWF. He had blanching of several fingers on both hands with tingling, in both summer and winter. His manual dexterity was impaired. He had to give up his work as a groundworker, but had found work in a garden centre, which he struggled with because of the exposure to cold. He was unable to cut his hedge and had to employ a gardener.

Fred received compensation in excess of £30,000, including general damages of £12,500 after discounting for a period of non negligent exposure. £12,000 for handicap on the labour market, £500 for the gardening work to date, and £2500 for future gardening work.

Dave's VWF

Dave developed VWF as a result of his exposure to vibrating machinery during the course of his employment. The thumbs and first and second fingers of both hands were affected with blanching and numbness. Dave had frequent attacks during the winter months and only occasional attacks in the summer. He had to keep his hands warm. He was at the borderline stage of 2/3 on the Taylor-Pelmear scale. He left his job but was able to find alternative employment with no further exposure to vibration. Dave was at a slight handicap on the open labour market and might find it difficult to find alternative employment if he lost his current job.

Dave received total compensation of £7,800 including £6,300 for general damages and £1,500 for handicap on the open labour market.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to a vibration white finger and hand arm vibration syndrome or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650.