Vibration White Finger (VWF) is a condition that can affect one or more fingers of the hand due to the prolonged use of hand-held vibrating machinery, such as rotary tools, chainsaws, or pneumatic drills. If the use of such machinery affects the hand or arm, it is known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Some of the symptoms of VWF are known collectively as Raynaud’s phenomenon, and relate to disturbed blood circulation. For example:
- The fingers go white and feel cool as the small blood vessels narrow
- The fingers go blue as they suffer oxygen-deprivation
- The fingers then turn bright red as the blood flow returns, this stage can be quite painful
In addition, sufferers may experience tingling and numbness in the fingers, perhaps due to nerve damage. If this condition becomes permanent it can lead to difficulty with certain every-day tasks, such as fastening buttons, handling money and tying shoe-laces.
If you have been using hand-held vibrating machinery repeatedly during the course of your employment and believe that you might have VWF, you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation. You could sue your employer if you believe they were negligent regarding your health and safety; although you will need to prove in court that they were at fault. However, VWF is a recognised industrial disease and many personal injury claims have been made over the years due to its effects; even today, one in ten such workers may suffer from this condition.
A personal injury solicitor will be able to advise you regarding the validity of your claim, and the amount of compensation to which you could be entitled. Compensation can comprise damages for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity; as well as recompense for lost wages and extra expenses incurred through your condition.
If you have limited financial means, your solicitor may offer a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means, that you would not have to pay legal fees, should you lose your claim. However, there may be other financial considerations to take into account, such as buying after-the-event insurance in order to cover your opponent’s costs, if they defend the claim successfully.
There is a three-year time-limitation with regard to making a personal injury claim in the UK. Therefore you should seek the advice of a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible.
- Last Updated on 19/09/2011
