Ex-miners 'could receive £25k each following new court case'

A group of former miners could receive compensation packages of up to £25,000 each after claiming that they have not been awarded the correct amount of damages for a common injury they suffered at work.

Between 20 and 25 ex-professionals are to have their case heard at Leeds County Court following the miners' decision to demand compensation from their legal representatives, who they say did not secure them enough in costs during their original hearing.

The men suffer from a condition called vibration white finger, which is caused by persistent use of handheld industrial equipment that vibrates. Symptoms of the complaint include numbness and pain in the affected area and the claimants say that everyday tasks such as gardening are made almost impossible by the condition.

This case will be heard under the government's compensation scheme and may result in some 50,000 similar cases being reopened if the men are successful.

Other common complaints of ex-miners which can lead to compensation being awarded include asbestos-related illnesses.

Posted by Craig Williams
 

19/08/2010 16:30