If you are suffering with symptoms of Vibration White Finger, also known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), you may think that there is no point in getting a diagnosis, as there is nothing that can be done to help. This is not always the case, as getting a diagnosis of Vibration White Finger can be vital if you wish to make a claim.
Some people have already had a diagnosis, some have not. If you fall into either of these categories, you may still be able to make a claim. At times, the symptoms for VWF do not appear until years after the person has left the job that causes the condition. This could affect whether they have had a diagnosis. Again, this may be something that we can help with.
Getting A Diagnosis of Vibration White Finger
If you have the symptoms of Vibration White Finger, then it is always best to go and see a Doctor. This can help with your peace of mind as well as with a potential claim. Once you have had a diagnosis, you then have three years from your date of diagnosis to make a claim.
In some cases, it is better for you to have not had a diagnosis, as the three-year limitation period does not start until the diagnosis. However, it is recommended that if you do wish to make a potential claim to go and see your doctor.
If you have not been diagnosed, then we may still be able to help. If your symptoms have started in the last three years, then you may be able to make a claim.
Causes and Symptoms of Vibration White Finger
The main symptom of VWF is a whiteness in the tip of one or more fingers. This can be on one hand or both. There are other symptoms which are associated with the condition. These symptoms include:
- Tingling in the fingers or hands
- Stiffness of joints
- Numbness in the hands or fingers
- Poor circulation
- Coldness in the fingers
These symptoms may worsen when it is cold weather, but, since no two cases are the same, they also may not. Sometimes the symptoms do not appear until years after you have stopped doing the job where you were using the vibration tools.
The main cause of VWF is through continued use of vibratory equipment. This includes power tools. Many of the enquiries that we get are from people who have had a prolonged use of power tools. These tools can harm joints, nerves and blood vessels in the fingers and hand.
In some cases, you can trace the cause of VWF to a job you worked at decades ago. Many of the enquiries we receive for Vibration White Finger include jobs that people worked at years ago. It may even be the case that the company have since gone out of business. This does not necessarily matter, we may still be able to help.
If that is the case, you may think that there is no way you would be able to claim, but that is not always the case. If you have started experiencing the symptoms within the last three years, for example, then you may still be able to make a claim.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience in dealing with claims. This includes claims for Vibration White Finger. Contact us today by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.