Non-fatal Accident

John Wilkinson

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Committee

Chopwell. John Wilkinson, 60, hewer.

Wilkinson was injured in the back and shoulders on January 22nd, 1912, by a fall of stone, and has not worked since. The Owners ask a review of his compensation on the grounds that the disability is chiefly due to old age and only partially to the accident. Dr. Morison on behalf of the Owners reported on November 23rd, 1915 :—

"Wilkinson is incapable of doing any ordinary work and his incapacity is chiefly due to his age and the long holiday he has had, partly due to the injury to his back and shoulders."

Dr. Parkin examined Wilkinson on behalf of the Lodge on December 11th, 1915, and reported as follows :—

"Wilkinson is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis of the shoulders and spine, and the condition of the spine has been aggravated by the accident. He is unfit for work involving stooping or heavy lifting."

Claim withdrawn.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/1/6/41, D.M.A. Minutes, Circulars etc. for 1916 (one volume: covers Jan-Jun)

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Medical Referee Cases.

Chopwell. John Wilkinson.

1. "The said J. Wilkinson is in only moderate health. There is a thickening of the lumbo-sacrel part of the spine and rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder joints, chiefly the right, movements of the spine and shoulders are limited. His arteries are thickened (arterio-sclerosis). His age is 70 years, and his condition is such that he is not fit for work of any kind.

2. The incapacity of the said J. Wilkinson is due to the accident chiefly, and partly to old age.

Dated this 14th day of July, 1926.

(Signed) J. HAMILTON BARCLAY,

Medical Referee."

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/6, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol VI covering Jan-Dec 1926

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Chopwell. John Wilkinson, 56, hewer.

On 22nd January, 1912. this man sustained injuries to his shoulders and back through a fall of stone. Full compensation was paid until 5th June, 1926, when it was reduced to 12/- per week on a report of Dr. Hume (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 9th May, 1926, as follows :—

"Present Condition. — Wilkinson com plains of weakness across the small of the back after walking.

Examination. — This man can stoop sufficiently to be able to do light work. There is considerable atheroma of his peripheral arteries and there is some rheumatoid arthritis, of both shoulder joints.

Opinion. — The injury may have contributed to the arthritis from which he suffers and I think this condition would prevent him from doing full work. Were it not for his age I think he would be able to do light work."

Dr. Collingwood Stewart (the man's own doctor) on 31st May, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — There is no change for the better since the last examination, in fact the arthritis has developed in all the places. I can find no reason for expecting this disabled man at 70 years of age to be able to do any kind of work.

Grounds of Opinion. — The incapacity was commenced by his accident and the state of affairs now is in perfect continuity with the conditions started by the injury."

The case was referred to the Official Medical Referee (Dr. Hamilton Barclay) who reported on 14th July, 1926, as follows :—

1. "The said J. Wilkinson is in only moderate health. There is a thickening of the lumbo-sacrel part of the spine and rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder joints, chiefly the right, movements of the spine and shoulders are limited. His arteries are thickened (arterio-sclerosis). His age is 70 years, and his condition is such that he is not fit for work of any kind.

2. The incapacity of the said J. Wilkinson is due to the accident chiefly, and partly to old age."

On the above report compensation is being continued at the reduced rate of 12/- per week. Wilkinson now claims full compensation.

Awarded 12/- per week — permanent rate.

Source: NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/6, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol VI covering Jan-Dec 1926

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