Non-fatal Accident

Robert Chicken

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Twizell. Robert Chicken, pony putter.

On 30th March, 1926, this lad fell off work through Cellulitis of the left forearm. The management are refusing to pay compensation on the grounds that the medical certificate did not disclose that he was suffering from an Industrial Disease which is included in the list of diseases added to the third schedule of the Workmen's Compensation Act. Dr. Johnson (the man's own doctor) on 10th August, 1926, reported as follows :—

"This is to certify that I examined Robert Chicken, 6, Arthur Street, High Hold, Pelton, on April 2nd, 1926. I found he was suffering from Cellulitis of forearm, due in my opinion to excessive friction during his occupation as a pony-putter. He was subsequently treated at the Infirmary, Newcastle, where his fore-arm was incised. He was under my care until 22/7/26, when he was certified fit to resume his occupation."

Chicken is still off work and now claims full compensation.

Awarded full compensation up to 30th June, 1926.

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

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