The assessment of permanent impairment is crucial for assessing vibration white finger claims so the eligible can receive their compensation and assistance to acknowledge this significant occupational disease vibration white finger is one of the conditions caused by Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) as a result of prolonged exposure to vibrating hand-held tools and/or machinery is causing permanent damage to blood vessels and/or nerves, and/or soft tissues in the hand. It is important that all workers, employers, and lawyers treating vibration white finger claims understand how permanent impairment assessments occur in vibration white finger claims.
What is Permanent Impairment in Vibration White Finger Cases?
Permanent impairment means the inability to use a body part or a long-term functional disability that can be treated via medical assessments, or if you stop exposure to vibration. The injury or impairment experienced by the affected person suffering from vibration white finger may be in relation to a vascular/or neurological,/or musculoskeletal impairment. Each of these issues may have an impact on the person’s ability to work or perform normal daily activities. Knowing that permanent impairment assessment is a necessary step to assess vibration white finger claims.
The Process of Permanent Impairment Assessment
An evaluation of permanent impairment in the case of vibration white finger is a systematic, progressive process. It is designed to allow an objective and fair assessment. The process involves several steps that ensure claims of vibration white finger are wholly supported by medical evidence.
1. Clinical Evaluation
The first step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation, which is undertaken by an assessing occupational health professional, and will include:
- Comprehensive Medical History: The assessing occupational health professional will evaluate the worker’s history of exposure to vibration, the onset and progression of symptoms, and prior medical history that relates to the worker’s condition.
Physical Examination: The health professional will look for signs of blanching (whitening) of the fingers, muscle weakness, reduced grip strength, or reduction in skin texture. The severity of the worker’s condition will be indicated when numbness, tingling, or loss of dexterity has persisted in the warmth of the examining environment.
2. Diagnostic Testing
The assessment of permanent impairment in vibration white finger cases relies almost entirely on objective testing. Key examples include:
- Cold Provocation Test: Exposing the hands to cold conditions to induce whitening and allow a quantifiable assessment of vascularity.
- Vascular Assessment: It is done using Doppler ultrasound or plethysmography to assess blood flow and a broad array of abnormalities.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: Assessing the speed and intensity of nerve impulses to evaluate the degree of neurological impairment.
- Grip Strength: Using a dynamometer to assess muscle function and strength loss.
3. Severity Grading and Impairment Rating
In cases using vibration white fingers, there are extended methods of grading permanent impairment using the Taylor-Pelmear or Stockholm Workshop scales. These systems depend on:
- How many fingers have been affected?
- How often does blanching or numbness occur, and for how long?
- How does permanent impairment affect daily living or work tasks?
- How often do symptoms persist or new symptoms occur, such as pain or lack of dexterity?
Higher grades indicate an increase in the degree of permanent impairment. One model notes that higher grade permanent impairment relates to a greater value of white finger claims.
4. Exclusion of Other Causes
A key component of permanent impairment assessment is ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as primary Raynaud’s phenomenon or connective tissue diseases. A diagnosis of vibration white finger can only be confirmed after exclusion of other causes while pursuing a vibration white finger claim.
Key Factors Considered in Assessing Vibration White Finger Claims
When it comes to assessing vibration white finger claims, there are a few key factors that help to evaluate the level of damage. Understanding these key factors is critical for all workers who are attempting to secure a fair outcome after sustaining permanent disability that occurs due to vibration white finger.
- Cause: Proving a causal link between the employment exposure and the development of vibration white finger.
- Extent of Permanent Impairment: Proving the degree of impairment and disability through medical records and diagnostic results.
- Effect on Work, Employment and Daily Living: Evaluating how the impairment affects the worker in their current position, if the worker can perform other duties, or what they are limited from doing in daily living.
A permanent impairment assessment will ensure that the compensation reflects both the physical and financial aspects (i.e., income loss, medical bills, pain and suffering) of vibration white finger.
Secure Your Rights with Jiva Solicitors
If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of vibration white finger and believes you have suffered permanent injuries, it is important to seek expert legal advice. At Jiva Solicitors, we are experienced in assessing vibration white finger claims and permanent injuries. Our experienced team understands the difficulties in assessing your vibration white finger claims and is dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve.
Take control of your future today – contact Jiva Solicitors now and get expert assistance with your vibration white finger claim and win the compensation you deserve.
