By Daniel Archer. Last Updated 7th March 2024. Welcome to our guide on how to claim vibration white finger compensation.
When carrying out our duties at work, particularly when operating machinery, we expect that the company we are working for to carry out risk assessments to ensure our safety and minimal chance of vibration white finger arising. If any potential problems are found, measures should be put in place to minimise the chances of them occurring.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and sometimes vibration white finger can arise gradually over time with the use of certain machinery and tools that vibrate.
If you have developed vibration white finger at work, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. This is something we can assist you with, please read on for more information. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our specialist advisors today to see how we can help by calling 0800 073 8804.
Select a section:
- A guide to vibration white finger (VWF) claims.
- What is vibration white finger? (Also referred to as hand vibration syndrome).
- What is the cause of vibration white finger?
- What to do if you are diagnosed with vibration white finger (VWF).
- How to begin your vibration white finger claim.
- What can be claimed for after a diagnosis of vibration white finger (VWF)?
- The most common jobs / tools that may increase the risks of developing vibration white finger.
- Vibration white finger and hand / arm vibration syndrome facts, advice and prevention.
- White Finger Compensation Payouts
- No Win No Fee vibration white finger claims, claims.
- Why choose us as your claims service for your vibration white finger claim?
- Call for free advice and to start a claim.
A guide to vibration white finger (VWF) claims
Welcome to our guide on how to claim vibration white finger compensation.
The purpose of this guide is to give you the information you need about these types of claims. You will learn what this injury is, how it can be caused, and what vibration white finger treatment is recommended. It will also answer your questions to do with the vibration white finger compensation scheme and any other questions you may have.
After reading all the information in this guide, if you still have unanswered questions regarding vibration white finger injury claims, or the white finger claims government scheme then feel free to give us a call and expert injury claims specialists will be able to help you.
What is vibration white finger? (Also referred to as hand vibration syndrome)
Before we look at how to claim vibration white finger compensation, let’s first look at what this condition is.
Vibration white finger (VWF) is a common injury caused by the regular use of tools and machinery that vibrates. VWF can last for a long time and sometimes be debilitating in more serious cases. It affects the joints, blood vessels and nerves in the wrists and hands.
The most common symptoms of VWF are:
- Pain, tingling or numbness in the fingers.
- Skin discolouration.
- Sometimes there is a white or red colour in the fingers.
- A significant loss of nimbleness in the hands and fingers making it hard to grip things.
- A whiteness that starts from the tip of the fingers, continuing down the fingers towards the palm of the hand.
What is the cause of vibration white finger?
Before we look into vibration white finger claims, let’s first look at what this condition could be caused by.
Vibration white finger is usually caused by prolonged use of tools and machinery that vibrate. Construction workers who use vibrating power tools such as chainsaws, pneumatic drills and sanding tools every day for a few hours at a time are more likely to suffer from this condition. In fact, anyone who operates vibrating machinery can end up developing VWF. Symptoms are generally intermittent but if the use of vibrating tools and machinery carries on, the symptoms could become continuous.
vibration white finger compensation
VWF occurs because the vibration encourages vasoconstriction through the smooth muscles hypertrophy and so damages the walls of the endothelial cells, causing damage to the nerve cells due to the release of thromboxane and serotonin together.
The materialisation of this occurs because the finger’s blood vessels lack blood supply and so turn them white. The fingers may actually even turn blue in advanced cases because of the oxygen in the blood being exhausted. More than one finger can be affected.
These symptoms are most prominent after using vibrating tools when it is cold. People affected by vibration sensation in fingers often suffer from reduced grip strength, cysts and osteoporosis of the bone in the elbow and wrist.
When looking at the vibration white finger symptoms checker and you recognise them as being the symptoms you are suffering from, then please contact us. We specialise in personal injury cases and can help you obtain the maximum white finger compensation payouts you deserve. For more information on vibration white finger claims, please continue reading.
What to do if you are diagnosed with vibration white finger (VWF)
If you are suffering from vibration white finger because of work, you could be able to make a claim. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things that you can do to help strengthen your claim.
- Medical Professional – you need to visit a medical professional, such as a doctor, to first gain an official diagnosis Also a report will be made that states how physically and mentally debilitating the condition is, advised treatments, length of treatment and predicted duration of the condition. All of this information will be used when deciding your white finger settlements.
- Proof of expenses – Keep any receipts or documents that show a record of expenses incurred as a direct result of your injury. These may include prescription fees, loss of earnings, costs of travelling to and from the hospital, childcare costs and so on.
- Report the condition to your employer – You should make your employer aware of the problem you are experiencing so they are aware of the fact that changes need to be made.
- Make notes – Make a note of which machinery or tools you mainly operate whilst at work, how often and the duration of use. This can help to prove that the jobs carried out whilst at work are the cause of your injury.
How to begin your vibration white finger claim
Vibration feeling in the arm? Left-hand vibration feeling? If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of vibration white finger, you may want to make vibration white finger claims. We can help you do so. All you need to do is give us a call and we can begin to launch your case. We have years of experience in the personal injury industry and have helped many claimants get the compensation payouts that they are entitled to.
When you call us, we will provide you with a free consultation session so that you can ask as many questions as you need to regarding making your claim and also this gives us the opportunity to gather some information from you in order to begin your claim. We will also offer to provide you with an appointment for a local medical at no cost to you.
Once we know all the facts, we will then proceed with making your compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you will have nothing to pay unless your claim is a success and so we require no financial commitment from you to work on your claim.
Vibration White Finger – Supporting Your Claim With Evidence
When making a claim for vibration white finger that was caused by negligence, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim.
Here are a few examples:
- Medical evidence – If you experience symptoms of vibration white finger, tests will often be carried out by a medical professional. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, it will be listed in your medical records. You can request these at any time, and they are useful to present as evidence.
- Visual evidence – Photographs of your injuries can be helpful. Additionally, you may be able to acquire CCTV footage of your working conditions.
- Witness contact details – Others may have gone through similar experiences at your place of work. They may even be making claims for white finger themselves. If you get their contact information, a solicitor could later take an official statement.
There are other forms of evidence that you could gather too; this is not a complete list. To find out other ways of improving your chances of success when claiming for white finger, get in touch today.
Time Limits for Claiming Vibration White Finger Compensation
Did you know that there are time limits for claiming vibration white finger compensation? All personal injury claims have limitation periods within which they can be made. This means that if you wait too long before making a claim, you may not be entitled to compensation anymore if the time limit has expired.
The standard time limit that typically applies to personal injury claims is 3 years, which is effective from the date that you suffered your accident or the date that you realised it affected you negatively.
However, in some cases, exceptions can be made to this time limit. If a claimant is unable to make a claim for themselves, the limitation period doesn’t come into effect until they can do so. During this time, they may wish to appoint a litigation friend to claim on their behalf. Once a litigation friend is appointed, the time limit would come into effect, giving them 3 years from that date to make their claim.
To see if you’re within the time limit to make a claim, please get in touch today to receive your free consultation and some expert legal advice.
What can be claimed for after a diagnosis of vibration white finger (VWF)?
There are a variety of things that you can be compensated for as part of vibration white finger claims, including the following:
- General Damages – This refers to the vibration white finger compensation you will receive for the pain and suffering it has caused you.
- Care Claim – If you have had to have a carer to help you around the house whilst you are recovering from your injury, then the person who has cared for you will be able to claim compensation.
- Loss of Earnings – You can claim any income you may have lost due to your injury and also any future potential earnings.
- Travel Expenses – This relates to not only travelling to and from the hospital but also for any vehicle adaptions that have been needed or to cover alternative travel arrangements costs.
- Medical Bills – This will cover such things as prescription fees, the cost of treatment and so on.
The most common jobs/tools that may increase the risks of developing vibration white finger
There are a number of jobs, tools and tasks that could cause vibration white finger, so it’s important to know about them to allow you to put some hand-arm vibration syndrome prevention in place. In this section of our vibration white finger claims guide, we’ll take a look into some common risk factors.
Construction workers and others that use powered vibrating tools over the course of a day, every day, for a few hours at a time, are more likely to suffer from this condition. It varies from one person to another for the time it takes for the symptoms to become noticeable. It may take a few months to a few years for the first signs to become obvious. However, if you’re using vibration tools regularly and for a prolonged period of time, you have a higher chance of developing the condition.
So, people that regularly use tools such as jackhammers, hammer drills and a variety of other vibrating tools are increasing their probability of suffering from the condition. The same can be said for anyone who uses any kind of vibrating machinery.
People that already suffer from conditions such as neurological and vascular disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud’s disease are advised to minimise exposure to too much vibration at work. This is because vibration promotes vasoconstriction through the smooth muscles hypertrophy and so damaging the walls of the endothelial cells which then release the chemicals serotonin and thromboxane, which together causes damage to the nerve cells.
Vibration white finger and hand/arm vibration syndrome facts, advice and prevention
It is your employer’s responsibility to protect you from developing vibration white finger and hand/arm vibration syndrome. It is preventable but once it develops, it is permanent.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on the 25th July 2005 in an attempt to better protect workers from the condition. If your employer fails to adhere to these regulations, they could be held liable for your vibration white finger claims.
If you have started to notice some of the symptoms, you would need to see a medical professional such as the white finger NHS service and they would need to refer you for vibration white finger tests. Such tests involve standard methods such as:
- Thermal Aesthesiometry Test – This measures the thermal receptors for cold and for heat.
- Vibrotactile Threshold Test – This is carried out to measure how sensitive the mechanoreceptors are in the nerves of each hand to vibration, stretch and texture.
- Cold Provocation Test – This shows visual proof of blanching.
- Perdue Pegboard Test – to measure dexterity in each hand and to see if there is any loss of movement in either hand.
Raynaud’s disease should be ruled out also.
If the worker is found to have vibration white finger, then they may enquire about a vibration white finger pension if they are forced into giving up work due to their injury. There is an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit that is available for people who are left disabled due to the job that they did. Vibration White Finger is covered by the Industrial Injuries Scheme and so workers that develop this condition may well be entitled to this benefit.
Hand vibration treatment may involve:
- Encouragement to give up smoking as tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict and so reduces blood flow to the fingertips.
- Reducing or even stopping the exposure to vibrating tools. However, symptoms such as right or left-hand vibration feeling or vibration feeling in arm in advanced cases may still be persistent after ceasing use of the tools or machinery.
- The worker should be referred to a neurologist, rheumatologist or dermatologist for assessment and possible treatments such as pain management or calcium channel antagonists.
VWF Prevention
In this section of our vibration white finger claims guide, we’ll address the question of ‘how can you protect yourself and lessen your chances of suffering from vibration white finger?’. Although employers have a duty of care to follow the appropriate regulations in place, there are steps you can personally take to reduce the risk yourself:
- Always use the right tool for the right job.
- Ask if there are any low vibration tools that could be used instead.
- Make sure that the tools you are using have been checked and properly maintained to avoid extra vibrations caused by general wear and tear or any faults.
- Make sure that tools used for cutting are kept in good sharp condition so that they are efficient.
- Avoid gripping a tool too tightly or forcing it more than you should need to.
- Break up the time spent using a tool by doing other jobs in between.
- Store tools so that when they are next used, the handles aren’t very cold.
- Encourage good circulation.
- Use anti-vibration gloves.
White Finger Compensation Payouts
Our solicitors could handle your case if you’re claiming for white finger syndrome. However, it’s worth considering how much you could receive for your claim. That’s why our solicitors could value your case based on the circumstances surrounding your accident and your injury.
The table below lists a range of potential awards for an injury claim similar to yours. These figures come courtesy of the 2022 edition of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). Legal professionals regularly use the JCG to consider compensation amounts for claims.
| Reason for Compensation | Comments | Typical Compensation Amounts |
|---|---|---|
| Arm amputation | Amputated at the shoulder. | Not less than £137,160 |
| Arm injury – severe | Amputation of a single arm or both arms. | £96,160 to £130,930 |
| Arm injury – less severe | Significant disabilities caused but recovery expected to a degree. | £19,200 to £39,170 |
| Arm injury | Simple fractures of forearm. | £6,610 to £19,200 |
| Amputation of Index and Middle and/or Ring Fingers | Useless hand with weak grip. | £61,910 to £90,750 |
| Total and Partial Loss of Index Finger | Also covers cases of disfigurement of imparement of grip. | £12,170 to £18,740 |
| Vibration White Finger | Most serious cases, typically awarded to a younger person whose daily and working life has been affected | £31,640 to £38,430 |
| Vibration White Finger | A notable in interference with domestic and work activity | £16,760 to £31,640 |
| Vibration White Finger | Middle aged claimants where cold weather causes most of the attacks | £8,640 to £16,760 |
| Vibration White Finger | Only a few fingers occasionally affected on a modest basis | £2,990 to £8,640 |
| Hand injury – less serious | Severe crush injury or the like. | £14,450 to £29,000 |
| Hand injury – moderate | Crush injuries, penetrating wounds, soft tissue or deep laceration injuries. Surgery fails and disability remains. | £5,720 to £13,280 |
| Mental anguish | Fear of impending death and loss of expectation of life. | £4,670 |
Settlements commonly have two heads of claim: general damages and special damages. General damages focus on the physical pain and psychological suffering as well as any reduction in the quality of life. Meanwhile, special damages addresses any losses and expenses that are a direct consequence of the accident. These may include a lack of income if you’re unable to work, hospital appointment travel costs and charges for any assistance equipment.
We hope this information helps you to consider what compensation you could receive for vibration white finger syndrome. Note that our advisors can offer further guidance on this subject; you can call us anytime to ask any questions you might have about white finger compensation payouts.
No Win No Fee vibration white finger claims
If you’re concerned about your ability to finance a personal injury claim, then you shouldn’t worry. There are certain arrangements in place that make sure everyone has access to legal assistance if and when they require it. These are known as No Win No Fee arrangements.
All of our lawyers operate on a No Win No Fee basis. This is with 100% of their clients. Under this arrangement, you are only required to pay their legal costs if your claim is successful. This fee is paid via a small percentage of your settlement. This is agreed upon in advance.
If your claim is unsuccessful, then you will not owe them anything. Whilst it is not legally binding to work with a solicitor during your claim, it is heavily advised. Without a No Win No Fee deal in place, you may be required to cover expensive legal costs even in the event of an unsuccessful case.
Why choose us as your claims service for your vibration white finger claim?
Are you interested in getting legal help for your vibration white finger claims?
We work with a panel of professional, friendly and highly experienced personal injury claims solicitors that treat all of our customers with the utmost importance. We strive to get the best compensation payouts that our clients deserve in the most efficient manner possible. We understand that you are having a rough time at the moment and will treat you with care and consideration and be discrete at all times.
We have been in the industry for many years and have had thousands of extremely successful compensation claims with maximum payouts, and with our expert solicitors help and guidance, your claim will be a success too.
We are honest and reliable and always put our clients first. Our reputation speaks for itself.
Call for free advice and to start a claim
Ready to begin making vibration white finger claims?
To get in touch, you can call 0800 073 8804, email info@legalexpert.co.uk or use the live chat on this page. Alternatively, you can fill out one of our contract forms to have us call you back at a time that suits you.
Your call will be answered by a member of our team who will be more than happy to help you in any way that they can. They can talk you through the claims process so you are fully aware of what’s involved and there are no surprises.
We are a friendly and professional team and will do our best to advise you appropriately for your situation and make sure you are in a good position to make a claim that gets you a good result.
You can relax in the knowledge that our panel of personal injury lawyers are equipped to fight your corner on a No Win No Fee basis and have more than 30 years of experience needed to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Useful links
Government Vibration white finger compensation scheme claims
This link leads you to the Claims Handling Agreement for the Vibration White Finger compensation Scheme. It contains the details of how claims are to be dealt with from the beginning of the process to the end of the claim.
HSE Hands
This is a health and safety website and tells you the risks of developing vibration white finger, the symptoms, how to protect yourself and more. It also has people’s own stories of the condition.
Health and safety guide to hand-arm vibration
This is a link to the health and safety guide to hand-arm vibration.
NHS on Raynaud’s syndrome
NHS guide to Raynaud’s syndrome.
Accident At Work Claims – Calculate the amount of compensation
If you have had an accident at work you can calculate the compensation amounts and get free advice.
Vibration White Finger Compensation Claims FAQs
Can I claim compensation for Vibration White Finger?
In most cases, you could be eligible for compensation if you suffered this condition as a result of third-party negligence. Please get in touch today for a free consultation.
How can negligence be determined?
Typically, these simple criteria can help you determine whether negligence occurred:
- A third party owed you a duty of care by law
- Which they failed to uphold
- And subsequently, you suffered as a result
Does Vibration White Finger go away?
If exposure to vibration continues over months or years, the symptoms of this condition can worsen and in some cases, even become permanent.
What are the symptoms of White Finger?
Some common symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain, tingling or numbness in the fingers.
- Sometimes there is a white or red colour in the fingers.
- A significant loss of nimbleness in the hands and fingers making it hard to grip things.
- A whiteness that starts from the tip of the fingers, continuing down the fingers towards the palm of the hand.
How long do I have to make a claim?
The usual time limit for making a personal injury claim is 3 years from the date of the incident or the date of knowledge.
Do I need to have a lawyer in order to claim?
There isn’t any legal requirement to have a lawyer, however, having one handle your case can ease the claims process and boost its chances of success.
Where can I find a lawyer?
At Legal Expert, we offer free consultations 24/7 for all prospective claimants. If we believe you have grounds to claim, we can connect you with a member of our panel of personal injury lawyers to begin handling your claim on a No Win No Fee basis today.
How can I contact Legal Expert?
Please call the number at the top of this page, use our live chat feature or refer to our contact section for alternative options.
