A beat knee claim for compensation arises as a result of repetitive strain injury (RSI) caused by constant and repeated trauma often over a number of years. The injury is a form of bursitis also called ‘housemaids knee’. This condition has been a particular concern in the mining industry for centuries. Other common occupational knee injuries to those who worked down the pits include damage to the menisci cartilage and osteoarthritis.
Generally RSI is caused by repeated muscular movement with inadequate rest periods, often under physical pressure which over a period of time injures tendons, nerves, muscles, cartilage and other soft body tissues. Extended repetition of movement may require a substantial recovery period and without adequate rest semi-permanent and permanent damage may be caused. It is thought that this damage is caused by fatigue, depletion of energy and a build up of toxic metabolic wastes that the body is unable to remove adequately over a short period of time. Damage caused can be serious and cause severely restricted movement and substantial pain on a permanent basis. A beat knee claim for compensation arises almost exclusively as a result of an injury known as bursitis however RSI encompasses a number of other conditions which are also frequently suffered by miners including:
Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursae usually as a result of physical trauma. Bursae are very small sacs of fluid located around the tendons, joints and bones which both cushion and ease the friction caused within the body during movement and enable the tendons and muscles to glide smoothly over one another. They effectively cushion the impact of any movement, reduce friction and enable pain free motion. In the event of these small fluid sacs suffering trauma or being subjected to excessive use then they become inflamed and start to fill with fluid which reduces their effectiveness causing pain and discomfort in and around nearby tissues.
One of the larger regional unions has already recommended its members to see their own private solicitors if they wish to pursue a beat knee claim. There are several test cases for the associated injuries of osteoarthritis and meniscal cartilage damage progressing through the courts at the present time. It is up to an employer to provide a safe system of work and if injury occurs as a result of an employers failure to properly carry out their responsibilities to their employees than they are liable to pay compensation for any injury that has been sustained. It is speculated that a government compensation scheme will be set up for the thousands suffering from bursitis and a claim handling agreement is expected to be come into existence in due course. If you would like to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor at no cost and with no obligation just complete the contact form or phone the helpline on 0870 420 5589. If after talking to us you decide to proceed no further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our initial advice which is completely free.
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