A 10-year-old Government scheme to compensate miners left
injured at work is inadequate, a group of them has said.
Around 20 former miners have lodged legal claims against the
solicitors who initially gave them advice, which will be heard by
Leeds Crown Court.
All of them have what is known as "vibration white finger",
which causes pain and numbness. They are claiming for compensation
to pay for everyday home tasks such as DIY and gardening.
The Department of Energy and
Climate Change, which runs the miners compensation
scheme, said any of the miners who have grievances should
consult another solicitor or go to the Legal Complaints
Service.
The Government insists it administered the scheme in a fair
way.
If the miners win their claims, another 50,000 may follow up the
fight, according to the lawyer representing the group in Leeds.
Their original solicitors submitted injury claims with the
understanding that none of the cases would need to be heard in a
court and that any cash awards would be consistent and fair.
However Clive Coleman, a legal expert for the BBC, said some
ex-miners did not receive enough compensation to pay for the tasks
at home, which also include the cleaning of windows and cars.