Understand how to file a claim and maximize your compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with VWF after using vibrating tools at work
Vibration white finger (VWF) is a serious overexertion injury that affects Montana workers who frequently use vibrating tools. This article will help you recognize the key symptoms, understand the risks of permanent damage, and learn the steps to take to get workers’ comp benefits if you develop VWF.
Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on filing a workers’ compensation claim in Montana to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. If you have additional questions or want help negotiating a fair settlement, reach out to our experienced Great Falls work injury attorneys for a free consultation.
What is vibration white finger?
Vibration white finger (VWF), also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), white finger syndrome, dead finger, and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, is a condition caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools, leading to damage in the blood vessels and nerves of the fingers.
An article published in Canadian Family Physician notes that the first case of vibration white finger was documented in 1911 after a doctor observed it in Italian miners. The condition was later recorded in America in 1918, when it was identified among limestone quarry workers in Indiana.
Since then, the condition has become prevalent in a variety of occupations due to the increased use of vibrating tools in construction and infrastructure projects.
How do I know I have vibration white finger?
Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for preventing further damage and managing the condition effectively. Some key signs that could indicate you have VWF include:
- Color changes. Fingers may turn white, especially in cold conditions or when stressed. Your fingers may also turn blue or red as blood flow changes.
- Reduced grip strength. You may notice difficulty with holding or gripping objects.
- Pain in hands or fingers. Pain, particularly after using vibrating tools, is another common symptom.
- Tingling and numbness. You might feel a tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in your fingers, and they can also become numb, reducing your sense of touch.
- Increased sensitivity to cold. Your fingers may also become overly sensitive to cold temperatures, causing discomfort.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage VWF and prevent it from worsening.
Is vibration white finger permanent?
Most people experiencing debilitating symptoms of VWF want to know: Does vibration white finger go away? The answer is, it depends.
VWF can become permanent if the condition is severe and left untreated. In its early stages, VWF symptoms can improve with reduced exposure to vibrating tools and proper management. However, if the blood vessels and nerves are significantly damaged, the effects can be long-lasting or irreversible.
How do you treat a white finger?
The first step to treating vibration white finger is to minimize exposure to vibrating tools, possibly by modifying work practices or changing jobs.
Wearing anti-vibration gloves, taking frequent breaks, and keeping hands warm can help manage symptoms. Doctors may also recommend medications to improve blood flow or physical therapy to strengthen the hands and improve circulation.
Doctors diagnose VWF through a combination of medical and work history review, physical examination, and specific tests, including a cold stimulation test, a Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow, and nerve conduction studies to assess nerve damage. These tests can confirm the diagnosis and help determine the severity of the condition.
Who is most likely to get VWF?
VWF primarily affects workers in jobs that involve the prolonged and regular use of vibrating tools and machinery, including:
- Manufacturing and assembly line workers
- Mining and quarry workers
- Automotive and mechanical workers
Fortunately, most workers who develop vibration white finger due to their job duties are entitled to workers’ comp benefits to aid in their recoveries.
Can I claim workers’ comp for vibration white finger?
Yes, if you develop VWF due to your job, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation in Montana. Most businesses in Montana with 1 or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers repetitive stress injuries like VWF as well as job-related traumatic injuries and occupational diseases.
Is it easy to prove that VWF is because of my job?
Proving that vibration white finger is job-related can be relatively straightforward if there’s a clear association with the use of vibrating tools or equipment known to cause the condition. For example, if your job involves regular use of tools like jackhammers, grinders, or chainsaws, it can be easier to establish a direct link between your work and VWF.
However, challenges may arise if your symptoms develop slowly over time or if you’ve worked in multiple jobs with various risk factors. In such cases, gathering comprehensive medical documentation and a detailed work history is crucial to support your claim.
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What benefits can I get from workers’ comp in Montana?
Workers’ compensation offers essential support for employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, like vibration white finger. These benefits are designed to help you recover and maintain financial stability during your recovery. They include:
- Medical coverage. Includes all necessary treatments related to your injury or illness, such as doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
- Wage replacement benefits. Provides compensation for a portion of your lost income (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage) if you’re unable to work during your recovery.
- Vocational rehabilitation services. Helps with retraining, education, and finding new employment if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job.
Because the amount of compensation you’re entitled to can vary and is negotiable, it’s important to understand how much your claim is worth before accepting a settlement offer. Consider reaching out to a workers’ compensation attorney who can estimate the value of your claim based on your specific circumstances.
How to file workers’ comp in Montana for vibration white finger
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Montana for VWF, you’ll need to first get a medical diagnosis from an employer-approved doctor to ensure your condition is properly documented. Next, you’ll need to notify your employer of your injury within 30 days of receiving the diagnosis to ensure you remain eligible for workers’ comp.
Finally, you’ll need to complete your portion of the First Report of Injury form. Your employer will then complete their portion and forward the form to their insurer, who has 30 days to either accept or deny your claim.
If your employer denies your claim or you encounter difficulties with the process, be sure to contact a workers’ compensation attorney for help.
Can a Montana workers’ compensation attorney help with my claim?
Yes, a workers’ compensation attorney can greatly assist with your vibration white finger claim by ensuring all documentation is accurate, negotiating with insurers, and helping you file an appeal if your claim is denied.
At Murphy Law Firm, our knowledgeable Great Falls workers’ compensation attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience helping injured workers in Montana get the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexity of claims involving repetitive stress injuries like VWF, and we know how to navigate the legal process effectively.
Whether you’re dealing with vibration white finger or any other work-related condition, we’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
References
Shixin (Cindy) Shen, & House, R. A. (2017). Hand-arm vibration syndrome: What family physicians should know. Canadian Family Physician, 63(3), 206–210. https://www.cfp.ca/content/63/3/206
