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Miners Beat Knee Claims

What is beat knee? Beat knee is a joint disease known as bursitis and is a condition frequently suffered by miners. Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursae, these are small fluid-filled sacs which surround bones, joints, muscles and tendons. It is the job of bursae to facilitate painfree movement of the body by acting as a cushion and so reducing friction. If bursae suffer a trauma, for example, due to an accident, or are subjected to excessive use, they can become inflamed. In this event the bursae fill with too much fluid, causing them to become swollen and painful. This can happen instantaneously or over a prolonged period of time. Bursitis is most commonly found in knees, elbows, hips, shoulders and heels.

Symptoms of beat knee

• Pain and sensitivity at the joint. This is commonly a sharp ache or burning pain;

• Lack of strength

• Lack of flexibility;

• Locking of the knee;

• Limited movement;

• Redness of the joint; and/or

• Swelling of the joint.

Causes of beat knee

Miners’ beat knee generally occurs due to employers failing to provide adequate health and safety for employees.

Beat knee can arise from:

• Constant kneeling with inadequate cushioning or padding;

• Repetitive work in cramped conditions; and/or

• Prolonged periods in restrictive spaces without adequate rest periods.

 

Miners are also commonly affected by beat hand, caused by using rough-handled tools; and beat elbow due to pressure on the joints resulting from crawling in small spaces.

 

Can I claim for beat knee?

There are a number of test cases currently going through the Courts. If these claims are successful, other claims will be able to be made.

Beat knee (bursitis) has now been added to the list of diseases/injuries covered by Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

If you worked for an employer who you believe is responsible for your condition for 10 years or more prior to 1st January 1986 then you may be eligible to claim.

The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme is run through Jobcentre Plus. Due to demand, claims could take up to 6 months to be processed. The scheme considers your injury, age and the severity of your disability in making the decision for an award.

If you would like to speak to one of our specialist Solicitors please phone on……