Non-fatal Accident

Ernest Talbot

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Eldon. Ernest Talbot, 24, stoneman.

On 21st August, 1923, this man sustained an injury to his arm through trying to stop a runaway tub. Full compensation was paid until 5th September, 1925, when it was reduced to 7/6 per week on a report of Dr. Haig (the Owners' doctor) who reported on 14th August, 1925, as follows :—

"He is suffering from weakness and loss of power in the right elbow and arm. The elbow cannot be quite fully flexed or extended, and there is occasional slight creaking in it on movement. The grip of the hand is good. Extreme pronation and supination seem to cause pain. He states that when serving in the War in the Durham Light Infantry as Transport Driver, he was thrown from a horse and damaged this elbow ; and that he is now in receipt of a pension in respect of this injury. He states that on 21st August, 1923, while at work in the pit, he strained this injured elbow holding back a tub, and his condition is such that he is fit for light work only. He was X-rayed by Dr. Gamlen in Newcastle in February, 1924, and the report states that there has been a comminuted fracture of the condyle of the humerus, involving the elbow joint. There is no doubt that this is the chief disability, and that it is due to the accident on service, but this would aggravate the second injury in the pit, which was evidently slight in itself.

In my opinion the cause or causes of the workman's present disablement are injuries as stated above, aggravated by a previous injury, and that the probable duration of the partial disability is permanent."

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

"Present Condition. — The movement of the elbow is fairly good, but he has pain on bending the elbow, also on pronation and supination. The power of his hand is very weak. He is able to do light work, if a suitable job could be found.

Grounds of Opinion. — This man suffers from the effects of the accident on 21st August, 1923."

No suitable light work has been offered and Talbot 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

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