We helped Liam* claim compensation to support his young family after he developed hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) while working.
What happened to Liam?
Liam worked as a mechanic in Wales for 10 years. He regularly serviced vehicles, performed MOT and warranty tests.
Often, the nuts and bolts on the cars Liam was working on were rusted or seized, making them difficult to move. He used several pneumatic tools, including air-powered tools, to help remove stuck bolts.
On average, Liam used vibratory equipment for between four and six hours a day while working in the garage. He was also exposed to vibration when refitting wheels using the tyre machine, as the tyres were often worn and had to be replaced.
In 2018, Liam moved to another branch. where work practices required Liam to use an air gun for longer periods of time, resulting in more vibration exposure.
During his time working for the company, there weren’t any risk assessments or training on the risks of HAVS and Liam was never warned of the dangers associated with exposure to vibration.
In 2019, Liam noticed his fingers on his left hand would go numb. This worsened as the year progressed and continued into 2020. While on holiday in 2020, Liam noticed his left index finger had gone white at the tip of his finger.
Liam went to his GP in March 2020, where his GP advised him to reduce his exposure to vibrations and monitor his symptoms.
A year later, he returned to his GP with the same symptoms and his GP sent Liam to see a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist explained Liam’s symptoms were caused by over exposure to vibrations and he was diagnosed with HAVS.
How has this impacted Liam’s life?
Hand arm vibration syndrome is a seriously debilitating permanent condition for which there is no cure. Liam has been forced to change jobs and is now working in a sedentary role thereby reducing -his exposure to vibration.
Symptoms will flare up in cold wet and windy weather and Liam now wears gloves to minimise his symptoms. He can no longer do things like play with his young children and DIY and gardening because of pain and discomfort.
He continues to experience symptoms such as pins and needles, hand cramping, and severe pain which can last for up to 20 minutes at a time.
How did Irwin Mitchell help Liam?
Liam came to our specialist occupational and industrial disease team to help claim compensation to safeguard his family’s future. Satinder Bains, a Partner and expert in workplace diseases such as HAVS, worked with Liam.
Satinder started by collecting Liam’s medical and employment records. She also referred Liam to an independent medical expert, who was able to determine the severity of Liam’s HAVS.
With this evidence, along with Liam’s loss of earnings, we took his claim to his former employer. They originally disputed the claim that vibration exposure while he worked there was to blame. However, Satinder was able to ultimately agree settlement.
The case was successfully settled for a five-figure settlement figure which compensated Liam for his injuries and loss of earnings.
The compensation will allow Liam to support his young family and make sure they’re financially secure in the future.
Expert comment
On Liam’s case, Satinder said: “Liam had worked hard for 10 years for the defendant. Sadly, they failed in their duty to adequately protect him against high exposure to vibration.
“This failure means he now has a permanent condition that will not get better and will have a daily impact on his quality of life.
“Although no money will make up for this, securing damages means his family are financially secure.”
*Not real name used.
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