Non-fatal Accident

Charles Chadwick Pickering

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Fishburn. Charles Chadwick Pickering, 23, wagonwayman

On 15th April, 1925, this man sustained an injury to his right eye through being struck by a piece of steel. Full compensation was paid until 30th October, 1925, when it was stopped on a report of Dr. Haig (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 8th October, 1925, as follows :—

"He is suffering from the loss of the right eye which he states was struck by a piece of steel while at work. The eye was removed in the Sunderland Eye Infirmary and he wears an artificial eye. He states that he has no trouble now, except that the left eye seems liable to tire rather easily, and his condition is such that he is fit for his ordinary work.

The right socket is quite healthy and gives him no trouble, unison in the left eye is good ; normal for near objects, and about 20/30 for a distance sight. There is no reason why he should not be able to do his usual work now."

Dr. Hartley (the man's own doctor) on 28th November, 1925, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — Right eye removed ; left eye sight is quite good.

Grounds of Opinion. — Patient states that owing to the strain on his single eye he gets severe headaches at work and is unable to continue work. Has tried working in pit and finds it impossible I suggest some job above ground as being more suitable and recommend that. I consider him an unsuitable person to be working below the surface."

No suitable light work has been offered and Pickering now claims full compensation.

Awarded full compensation from October 23rd, 1925, to November 10th, 1925. Further claim to be considered on production of report from the infirmary doctor.

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

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Fishburn. Charles Chadwick Pickering, 23, wagonwayman.

On 15th April, 1925, this man sustained an injury to his right eye through being struck by a piece of steel. Full compensation was paid until 30th October, 1925, when it was stopped on a report of Dr. Haig (the Owners' doctor). The case was before the Arbitration Committee on 1st March, 1926, when he was awarded full compensation up to 10th November, 1925, any further claim to be considered on the production of the Infirmary Doctor's report. Dr. Cunningham (the Infirmary Doctor) reported on 4th May, 1926, as follows :—

"Examination. — The right eye has been removed as the result of the accident. The Vision of the left eye is defective — this defect however, is due to an error of refraction.

From the result of my examination I am of opinion that Pickering is incapacitated from performing any kind of work underground — in fact I consider it would be unsafe for him to attempt such work. He is, however, fit to perform most kinds of light rough work on the surface in daylight."

Pickering is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 12/- per week from 4th May, 1926.

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

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