Repetitive strain and vibration diseases

If you are suffering from a repetitive strain injury (RSI) or hand and arm vibration syndrome, contact Unite Legal Services first to see if you may be entitled to compensation.

Whereas strains and sprains can occur after single incidents, repetitive strain injuries and vibration diseases develop over time. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that workers are given the appropriate training, protection and equipment required to perform their roles safely.

Repetitive strain injuries can affect muscles, nerves and tendons and while most common in the hands, wrists, shoulders and elbows, RSIs can affect all of the body.
RSIs can affect anyone who is engaged in repetitive or particularly forceful work across all sectors. Pain usually occurs during a specific activity but can become constant.
Repetitive strain injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tennis elbow, golfers' elbow, Dupuytren's contracture and tendonitis to name but a few.
Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), also known as vibration white finger, can develop as a result of frequent exposure to vibrating power tools. Symptoms can include numbness, pain, swelling, tingling, and cold sensations in the fingers.
Once HAVS symptoms are apparent, continual use of vibration tools or machines can result in permanent pain and numbness.

Read our guide to claiming for HAVS and strain injuries.

Making a repetitive strain injury claim

If you or a non-working family member is suffering from a repetitive strain injury or vibration disease, Unite Legal Services can help you to access suitable medical treatment including physiotherapy.

Our solicitors will also guide you through the process of making a claim for compensation and you will always keep 100% of your damages.

Making an asbestos or industrial disease compensation claim

Asbestos and industrial disease cases are often more complex than other types of personal injury claims and need specialist legal expertise. Exposure to the hazardous substances and materials that caused an illness may have occurred a long time ago, and expert evidence may be required to prove a link between your illness and your employer.

The timeframe for starting an asbestos or industrial disease claim is three years from the date of diagnosis, or the date at which you could have reasonably known that your condition was caused by exposure to an unsafe working environment. It does not matter how long ago you were exposed to asbestos, excessive vibration or high levels of noise – if you received your diagnosis in the last three years, you are still entitled to claim. Even if your employer no longer exists Unite Legal Services can still help.

Unlike many high street solicitors and the claims companies you see advertised on TV, our experienced solicitors will work with you to understand your individual circumstances and build a picture of your working conditions and employment history to gather evidence to support a claim for compensation.

As a Unite member making a claim through Unite Legal Services, you are guaranteed to keep 100% of your compensation however complex your claim.

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