We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Some people, who are unfortunate enough to suffer a personal injury, be it work-related, from a road traffic accident, or through another type of non-fault incident, might think that their health problems will end with the healing of their injury – however this is not always the case.
Some victims suffer irreparable damage, of course, but those who recover completely from their original injuries may also find that, due to the body's initial damage and healing process, they have acquired another health problem.
One physical difficulty, which is largely passed on genetically but also thought to be triggered by hand injuries is Dupuytren's contracture, also known as Dupuytren's disease or claw-hand.
Dupuytren's entails a thickening of some of the tissues under the palm's skin, similar to scar tissue. These small growths and lumps spread until the finger's connective tendons cannot move correctly, making it difficult for the sufferer to straighten their fingers.
The disease usually affects the ring finger first then progresses to the little finger and lastly the middle finger. However, the progression of the disease typically takes months, or even years in some cases, and, if caught in time, it can be cured with a simple surgical procedure. The NHS carries out around 12,000 Dupuytren's corrective operations a year.
According to medical professionals, around 70% of all cases of Dupuytren's are genetic, but the cause of the other 30% is largely a mystery. Yet, many experts believe that a hand injury in someone prone to the disease, may trigger contracture to begin.
It is not thought that Dupuytren's contracture is any more common in certain lines of work than others, but if a worker genetically predisposed to the disease sustains a hand injury during their job they may find that Dupuytren's presents itself.
Similarly, a person who suffers a hand injury in a car crash or due to a faulty product, could also see the onset of the disease present itself in the years following their injury.
As previously noted, the symptoms of the disease are simple to relieve but if a victim does not realise that there is a problem and leaves it too long before seeing a specialist, the fingers may remain set in a permanently bent position.
This can make simple tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, very difficult. It could also result in the employee not being able to perform their job any more, therefore losing their employment and suffering financial difficulties.
Even if a sufferer does have treatment for Dupuytren's in time, after the minor operation, it can take up to two months before full movement of the fingers is regained. This could lead to a loss of earnings.
Personal injury and making a compensation claim
If you have suffered a personal injury in a non-fault accident, which has led to prolonged health difficulties after the initial injury healed, we could help you make a successful claim for 100% compensation.
However, a case must be started within three years of the accident believed to be the cause of the suffering
Call about your personal injury case on 0800 10 757 95 or request a call back.
