What is Vibration White Finger and how is it related to Ajax tanks?

Vibration White Finger Syndrome is a term used when secondary Raynaud’s has been caused by vibration.

This typically happens to people who extensively use certain types of vibrating tools, such as:

• Sanders, grinders, and disc cutters
• Hammer drills
• Chainsaws, hedge trimmers and power mowers

Any vibrating tool that causes tingling or numbness in your fingers could lead to vibration white finger. Secondary Raynaud’s can severely restrict the blood supply, so it carries a higher risk of complications, such as ulcers, scarring and even tissue death (also known as gangrene) in the most serious cases.

Sufferers of Vibration White Finger Syndrome usually get numbness or tingling in their hands and arms, painful joints, and muscle weakness. It can impact their ability to perform manual tasks and can often mean they are unable to handle small, fiddly things like buttons or cutlery.

The severity of symptoms depends upon the level and duration of vibration exposure. Treatment includes avoidance of further vibration and may require a change of occupation.

Other types of military injuries

You may be entitled to claim compensation if you have an injury, illness or medical disorder caused or worsened by working in the UK Armed Forces Service. This includes accidents sustained in training exercises or active duty, resulting in physical or mental health conditions.

We have rounded up common injuries that may be claimed for, however this list is not exhaustive:

• Accidents involving road traffic
• Injuries during military training exercises
• Parachuting-related injuries
• Injuries from fires and explosions
• The harm caused by inadequate or faulty equipment and machinery
• Injuries sustained during mountaineering activities
• Injuries involving military vehicles
• Injuries during sports and adventure training, including assault courses
• Injuries from manual handling tasks
• Falls from height
• Injuries caused by the negligent discharge of firearms
• Non-freezing cold injury (sometimes known as trench foot)
• Freezing cold injury (also known as frostbite)

I am suffering from vibration injuries or hearing loss as a result of the Ajax trials. What can I do?

If you were involved in the Ajax vehicle trials and are concerned about potential hearing loss or issues caused by your exposure to excessive noise and vibration during the trials, you might be able to proceed with a compensation claim against the Ministry of Defence for failing to provide a basic duty of care.

At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we can assist you in pursuing a claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), which compensates those who have suffered injury, illness, or death during the UK Armed Forces service on or after 6 April 2005.

You can claim for any injury or illness which has been caused by service in the armed forces, during training or in active duty, from hearing loss and arthritis, to amputations or mental health issues.

With our team of legal experts, we strive to secure the compensation you deserve to help you with your recovery and future needs.

The experts in military personal Injury claims

At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we aim to seek justice for Military Personnel who have been injured during their time in service. We are enthusiastic about securing compensation for service members and to ease the financial burden they may face in civilian life.

We can help Armed Forces personnel claim compensation, whether their injury was caused by negligence, or simply as a result of their time in service with no one to blame.

We often assist in cases where injuries have been sustained during training exercises, accidents involving military vehicles, or caused by defective equipment. We also specialise in claims involving noise-induced hearing loss, non-freezing cold injuries, and psychiatric injuries such as PTSD.

Our dedicated team of solicitors, who specialise in Military Claims, can assist you with the best way of seeking compensation. Depending on the injury caused and when it was sustained, there are different routes we can take to ensure a successful outcome.

More information about the Ajax tanks trial and subsequent health implications

Read our sister article about the Ajax vehicle injuries here.

Further information

Military personal injury claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Armed forces legal support – Oakwood Solicitors

Troops who suffered hearing loss and joint pain on British Army’s £3.5billion ‘dud’ Ajax tanks could claim hundreds of thousands of pounds from the MoD – Daily Mail

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