If you have been diagnosed with Dupuytren's contracture after years of working with vibrating hand-held tools, you may be entitled to Dupuytren's contracture compensation from your employer. Thompsons has helped workers across Scotland claim for industrial disease on a no win no fee basis, and we act only for injured claimants. Never for employers or insurers.
What is Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's contracture, sometimes called Dupuytren's disease, develops when tissue in the palm thickens and forms a cord under the skin. Over time that cord tightens and pulls one or more fingers into a bent position. The ring and little fingers are affected most often, and the condition can develop in one or both hands.
Early on, most patients notice small lumps or dimpling in the palm. The condition usually progresses slowly. Severe Dupuytren's contracture is generally taken to mean a finger bent so far towards the palm that everyday tasks, such as putting a hand in a pocket or gripping a tool, become difficult or impossible.
Treatment ranges from needle procedures under local anaesthetic to a fasciectomy, a surgical operation to remove the diseased tissue. Surgery carries its own risks and recovery period, which is one reason the condition can have such an impact on working life.
Can I claim compensation for Dupuytren's contracture?
Dupuytren's contracture is recognised as a work-related condition for people who have regularly used hand-held vibrating tools over a number of years. Workers in construction, engineering, mining, shipbuilding and manufacturing are among those most commonly affected.
Employers have a legal duty to assess vibration risk, limit exposure, provide suitable equipment and warn workers of the danger. Where an employer failed in that duty and you went on to develop the condition, you may have a claim. A claim may also be possible where negligent medical treatment, such as a poorly performed fasciectomy, made your condition worse.
Thompsons acts only for injured claimants. We never represent employers or insurers.
Does Dupuytren's contracture qualify for benefits or disability support?
Dupuytren's contracture is a prescribed industrial disease for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit where you have the qualifying history of hand-held vibrating tool use. Severe symptoms that affect your grip and daily tasks may also support a PIP or other disability claims, depending on your circumstances.
Receiving benefits does not stop you making a separate compensation claim against a negligent employer. Our solicitors can advise on how the two interact so you do not lose out.
How much compensation could I receive?
A claim has two parts. The first is an award for the pain, loss of hand function and effect on your daily life. The second covers financial losses, including lost earnings, the cost of surgical treatment, travel to appointments and any care or assistance you have needed.
The value depends on how severe the contracture is, whether one or both hands are affected, which fingers are involved and how the condition affects your ability to work. Rather than quote figures that may not fit your case, your solicitor will value the claim properly after assessing the medical evidence.
Why choose Thompsons for your Dupuytren's contracture claim?
Thompsons acts exclusively for claimants, wins more than 90% of the cases it takes on and secures £1 million every week for clients across Scotland. Our industrial disease work is rooted in our trade union heritage of standing up for working people.
We work on a no win no fee basis. There are no upfront costs, nothing to pay if the claim does not succeed, and a success fee capped at no more than 20% of your damages.
Start your Dupuytren's contracture claim today
Call 0800 0891 331 or complete our online enquiry form for a free, no-obligation assessment. An adviser will listen to your work history, explain your options and confirm whether you have a claim. Acting promptly means your claim can be investigated while the evidence is still available.
