Non-fatal Accident

Ernest Corner

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Wearmouth. Ernest Corner, 33, onsetter.

On 2nd December, 1925, this man had his left hand jammed between the tub and cage. Full compensation was paid until 4th March, 1926, when it was stopped on a report of Dr. Ritson (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 9th March, 1926, as follows :—

"He is recovered from the injury, namely, fractured miterupals, which are now united with thickening and with use of the 2nd, with shortening, but without interference with movement, and his condition is such that he is fit for his ordinary work."

Dr. Hamilton Ross (the man's own doctor) on 12th March, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — He complains that he cannot work on account of pain over the palm or surface of the head of the 4th metacarpal bone, of pain in the thumb, and that he cannot grip. There is some wasting of the muscles of the left forearm and the skin of the hand is soft and smooth. He holds his hand with the 4th and 5th fingers slightly flexed and abducted from the mid line of the band. He cannot adduce these fingers. He can completely close his hand but the grip is poor. He has evidently had a fracture of the 4th metacarpal which has united with angling backwards with the result that the head is exposed to unusual pressure causing pain. There is some slight thickening around the joints of the thumb.

Grounds of Opinion. — In my opinion he has a permanent deformity of the left hand due to his accident. On account of pain and muscular weakness he is at present fit for only light work. In about two months, when his grip has improved and the tissues have thickened over the head of the 4th metacarpal, he should be fit to resume ordinary work."

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

Awarded full compensation up to date and 7/6 per week until suitable light work is found.

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

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