Former miners win pounds 125,000 over finger disease
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven ex-miners suffering from a disabling finger disease were yesterday awarded almost pounds 125,000 by a High Court judge.
Solicitors in the case believe the Government could now face a bill of up to pounds 50m as the ruling clears the way to a further 500 compensation claims against British Coal by thousands of former pit men.
However, two of the nine men who had brought the case for Vibration White Finger - which involves damage to the hand's circulation and nerves from vibration and can cause loss of grip and sensitivity - failed to convince the judge at Newcastle High Court that they qualified for damages.
British Coal said it was considering launching an appeal. In a statement it said: "The court rejected two of the nine cases. This is significant. The judge has recognised British Coal's concerns and the substantial difficulties in assessing VWF cases."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments