Call back for new
personal injury claims only
Leave your details to request a call back.
You are in: Home Page |
News Desk | News Story
25th October 2010
CE Electric UK compensates employee for hand arm vibration syndrome
Diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Electricity network operator CE Electric UK has agreed to pay an employee £8750 compensation after he developed hand arm vibration syndrome as a result of his work.Deryne Hughes, 52, developed the condition as a result of overexposure to vibratory tools during his 28 years in the company’s roadworks division in Stockton-on-Tees.
His job involved digging trenches, laying cable and back filling using whackers, handrammers and Stihl saws. Later he worked as a jointer doing repair work using Stihl saws, drills and impact wrenches.
Mr Hughes first noticed his symptoms three years ago, starting with a numbness and tingling in both hands and eventually developing into cramp and pains.
Thompsons Solicitors made a Personal Injury Compensation Claim
In November 2009 he was formally diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndrome. He sought assistance from his union, Unite, which agreed to fund a compensation claim through personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
Thompsons argued that the CE Electric UK had failed to risk assess Mr Hughes’ work, rotate his duties or limit his exposure to vibratory tools and was therefore liable for his injuries. The company quickly admitted liability and agreed to a compensation settlement.
Michael Bray from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Deryne’s employers had a legal duty to ensure he wasn’t being exposed to excessive amounts of vibration and they failed to do this, causing him painful injuries and an ongoing disadvantage in the open labour market. It’s only fair he’s properly compensated and we’re pleased to have helped bring that about.”
Laws exist to make sure workers aren’t injured
Unite regional secretary, Davy Hall said: “Health and safety laws exist to make sure workers aren’t injured on the job because of their employer’s negligence. Where employers fail to abide by these laws it’s in everybody’s interest that they are held to account. It’s times like this that it really pays to be a union member.”
Deryne Hughes concluded: “I’m annoyed that the company continued to expose me to vibration when they should have known better, but I’m happy that it’s settled and dealt with now, and that Unite and Thompsons were so quick to sort everything out.”
Mr Hughes continues to be employed at CE Electric UK in a role that does not require use of vibratory tools.
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal 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 personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
