J. Nicholson

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Committee

715. Pelton. J. Nicholson, 35, hewer.

Died on September 13th, 1916, as the result, it is alleged, of injuries received on July 5th, 1905, when his left eye was destroyed through a fall of coal.

Dr. W. H. Barnaby reported on September 16th, 1916, after a post mortem examination, that, in his opinion, death resulted from extreme exhaustion due to the accident received, and complications arising therefrom.

Dr. MeCullagh reported on September 15th, 1916, after a postmortem examination, as follows :—

"Death cannot be attributed directly to the accident, but there is no doubt in my mind after hearing Dr. Oliver’s statement, that Nicholson gradually deteriorated after the injury to his eye. The nervous condition known as Traumatic Neurasthenia does not cause death itself, but it lowers the vitality and resisting power of the patient to such an extent that he may succumb to an illness from which he otherwise might have recovered."

No inquest was held.

Deceased leaves a widow, aged 37, and one son, aged 11, wholly dependant.

Weekly payments of compensation prior to death, £63/3/5, in respect of accident, and £30/19/1 in respect of Miners’ Nystagmus.

The case was before the last Arbitration Committee, when it was adjourned in order that our side might interview Dr. Oliver. This was done, and as the doctor could not connect the accident with the death, we had to agree to a disallowment.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/1/6/42, D.M.A. Minutes, Circulars etc. for 1917 (one volume: covers Jan-Jun)

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