Miners Knee Compensation Claims
Miners Knee
As a recognised occupational medical ailment miners knee is one of many that is open to claims for compensation by sufferers. There are many conditions associated directly with the mining industry, but miner knee is among the most debilitating. With many former mineworkers finding they are unable to use their knee joints as they get older an increase in miners compensation claims for this condition and others has come about, and the trend is likely to continue.
What is Miners Knee?
The mining industry in the middle of the 20th century was not governed by health and safety regulations that are now in place in all industries to protect the workforce. Not only were mineworkers expected to work in dusty environments and to use heavy duty power tools for prolonged periods, but thanks to cramped conditions they were often expected to kneel for extended lengths of time, and usually without any protective pads for the knees. While many miners claims are for industrial deafness, lung conditions caused by the dust and diseases such as Vibration White Finger caused by the use of power tools more and more are for mineworkers knee compensation, especially as the condition becomes more apparent in later life.
How does it happen?
Miners Knee is a form of osteoarthritis, that is a condition in which damage to the joints and its various components has become apparent. The knee, like all joints in the body, is designed to move and to do so the ball and socket style joints are lined with soft tissue that is there to aid movement. When this becomes damaged – as it will when kneeling is a prolonged habit – the result is a loss of movement in the knee, and this along with pain and swelling n the joints make up the main symptoms of the disease.
Who is likely to suffer?
Miners Knee is most likely to occur in those who worked for a long time in the mining industry. The condition will have been brought about by prolonged and repeated kneeling as part of the daily course of action. With many miners claims these days being directed at miners knee rather than the more common mining related ailments it is unsurprising that it is now a recognised industrial or occupational disease.
Mineworkers Knee Compensation
The increase in miners claims for the condition has come about as more ex-miners realise that the stiffness and pain in their knees is not just a sign of getting older, but is a direct result of poor conditions during their working lives. At QualitySolicitors we can give you the advice and help you need in pursuing a mineworkers knee compensation claim. With fully trained solicitors who are familiar with the condition and understand how best to pursue a claim you stand the best chance of gaining compensation. If you suffer from miners knee and want to know more about making a compensation claim call QualitySolicitors now and talk to one of our friendly and helpful members of staff, or fill in our simple miners knee claims form online.
