Non-fatal Accident

Robert Bell

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Hetton. Robert Bell, 59, hewer.

On 4th April. 1923, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 1st August, 1924, when it was reduced to 4/11 per week on a report of the Owners' doctor (Dr. Todd). The case was before the Arbitration Committee on 3rd November, 1924, when he was awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 10/- per week. On 30th September, 1924, Bell commenced light work and continued at such until 14th January, 1926, when he again fell off. The management are refusing to pay compensation on a report of the Owners' doctor (Dr. Todd).

Dr. Watson (the man's own doctor) on 18th February, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — He is still suffering from Nystagmus which causes frequent attacks of giddiness. I sent him to an ear specialist to make certain that ear disease was not the cause. His opinion was the same as mine, i.e., Nystagmus.

Grounds of Opinion. — As the presence of Nystagmus is unquestioned, and there is no evidence of any disease of the ear, which would be the other probable cause of his giddiness — in my opinion it is quite fair to blame the condition of his eyes for his inability to work."

Compensation is being paid at the reduced rate of 5/7 per week. Bell is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Referred to an Official Medical Referee.

Official Medical Referee Cases.

Hetton. Robert Bell.

1. "The said R. Bell is to day suffering from Miners' Nystagmus. He suffers from giddiness on stooping which is aggravated by the fact that he has arterio-sclerosis, and his condition is such that he is in my opinion unable to do any job about a colliery, i.e., any job that occasions stooping.

2. The incapacity of the said R. Bell is almost complete owing to his giddiness due to Miners' Nystagmus aggravated by arterio-sclerosis.

Dated this 26th day of May, 1926.

(Signed) A. S. PERCIVAL,

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

Hetton. Robert Bell, 59, hewer.

On 4th April, 1923, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 1st August, 1924 when it was reduced to 4/11 per week on a report of the Owners' doctor.

The case was before the Arbitration Committee on 3rd November, 1924, when he was awarded 10!- per week.

On 30th September, 1924, Bell commenced light work in the timber yard, and he continued at such until 14th January, 1926, when he again fell off and compensation was paid at the reduced rate of 5/6 per week.

The case was referred to the Official Medical Referee, Dr. Percival who reported on 26th May, 1926, as follows :—

1. "The said R. Bell is to-day suffering from Miners' Nystagmus. He suffers from giddiness on stooping which is aggravated by the fact that he has arterio-sclerosis and his condition is such that he is in my opinion unable to do any job about a colliery, i.e. any job that occasions stooping.

2. The incapacity of the said R. Bell is almost complete owing to his giddiness due to the Miners' Nystagmus aggravated by the arterio-sclerosis.

On the above report compensation is being continued at the reduced rate of 5/7 per week. Bell is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Awarded 15/- per week.

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

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