Non-fatal Accident

John William Heightley

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

New Brancepeth. John Heightley, 33, hewer.

Heightley fell off work in June, 1923. He was treated for nervous debility, and on 24th November, 1923, he was certified by the Certifying Surgeon as suffering from Nystagmus.

The Owners refused to pay because Heightley had been out of the mine since June, 1923.

Claim allowed.

Source: Documents at the Durham Miners' Association, Redhills, Durham

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

New Brancepeth. John William Heightley, 35, hewer.

On 26th November, 1923, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 20th February, 1926, when it was stopped on a report of Dr. Hare (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 6th February, 1926, as follows :—

"He is still complaining of pain in head. On examination there is now only some tremor, but no actual Nystagmus, and his condition is such that he is fit to return to coal hewing.

In my opinion the cause or causes of the workman's present disablement are nil, and that the probable duration of the disability is nil."

Dr. Norris (the man's own doctor) on 13th February, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Present Condition. — On examination there is no actual oscillation of the eyeballs. There is still giddiness and pain on the right side. Some tremor of the eyelids. In my opinion there is no actual Nystagmus and he is fit to return to work. In my opinion he is not fit to return to coal hewing, but he could do any work such as shift work that would not necessitate much stooping under the 'line.' This on account of giddiness from which he suffers.

Grounds of Opinion. — The grounds of this opinion are that I consider that his giddiness and want of alertness at present would make him dangerous both to himself and others as a coal hewer, or the performance of any work necessitating much stooping."

Compensation is now being paid at the reduced rate of 7/6 per week. Heightley is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Adjourned.

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

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

New Brancepeth. John William Heightley, 35, hewer.

On 26th November, 1923, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 20th February, 1926, when it was stopped on a report of Dr. Hare (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 6th February, 1926, as follows :—

"He is still complaining of pain in head. On examination there is now only some tremor, but no actual Nystagmus, and his condition is such that he is fit to return to coal hewing.

In my opinion the cause or causes of the workman's present disablement are nil, and that the probable duration of the disability is nil."

Dr. Boyd Cunningham (the man's own doctor) on 9th June, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Examination. — Heightley is still suffering from Miners' Nystagmus. The oscillation of the eyes can be observed when he turns his eyes into extreme positions — they are also more marked when he is examined in a stooping position and in a darkened room. There is giddiness present after he has been stooping for a short time or when his head is turned into a backward position.

From the result of my examination I am of opinion that Heightley is incapacitated from performing any kind of work underground; he is also unfit to perform the full work of a labourer at bank. He is fit for suitable light work at bank in daylight where there is little or no stooping or heavy lifting."

Heightley is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 12/6 per week.

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

If you are researching John William Heightley (e.g. for family tree purposes) and you would like to hear from others with the same interest then please complete the details in the following form. We will show the information you provide on this page so that you can be contacted.