£12,750 awarded for work-related carpal tunnel syndrome

Compensation of £12,750 was awarded to a man after excessive use of vibrating machinery at work caused him to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

See also:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome compensation claims

Injury details

The claimant worked as a technology teacher. During the course of his role he was required to use vibrating tools. He first developed symptoms for a short time only after using the tools. Over the course of the next year the symptoms became more persistent.

He began to suffer symptoms when he was not using the tools. He suffered tingling in his hands and occasional burning sensation. His sleep was disturbed and the condition worsened. Eventually he suffered continual numbness and pains in his hands.

The claimant underwent surgery 18 months after first developing symptoms. The surgery did not alleviate the symptoms. He continued to suffer the tingling in his hands and numbness in his fingers. He was unable to flex and bend his fingers as he could before the disease developed.

Picking up objects caused difficulty. He was unable to lift heavy items, open tins or unscrew jars. He was told that his condition was permanent and that he would always suffer from numbness and paraesthesiae in the median nerve distribution.

Allegation

It was alleged the defendant was negligent insofar as they failed to provide a safe working environment for the claimant.

As a result he developed carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms included numbness, tingling and an inability to grip or use his hands as before.

Surgery had been unsuccessful and the symptoms would be permanent.

Settlement and conclusion

Liability was not admitted and the matter proceeded to a Court hearing.

Compensation of £12,750 was accepted by way of a Court award.

The entirety of damages was attributed to "pain, suffering and loss of amenity."