Non-fatal Accident

James Riley

Durham Miners' Association
Compensation Department

Dean and Chapter. James Riley, 32, hewer.

On 26th October, 1922, this man fell off with Miners' Nystagmus. Full compensation was paid until 28th September, 1925, when it was reduced to 7/6 per week on a report of Dr. Farmer (the Owners’ doctor). The case was before the Arbitration Committee on 30th November, 1925, when he was awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 20/- per week, and such is still being paid. Dr. H. Boyd Cunningham (the man’s own doctor) on 17th December, 1926, reported as follows :—

"Examination. — Riley is still suffering from Miners’ Nystagmus. The oscillation of the eyes can be observed when he is examined in a stooping position and in a darkened room. There is also giddiness after he has been stooping for a short time.

From the result of my examination I am of opinion that Riley 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, however, to perform many kinds of suitable light work at bank in daylight where there is not much stooping."

The Owners now ask for the case to be reviewed.

Awarded compensation at the reduced rate of 14/- 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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