WINNING COMPENSATION

LEGAL RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: sep/oct 2025 :: RMTnews 26 An RMT member has secured a £10,000 compensation settlement following a serious workplace accident while employed as a bus driver, reinforcing the union’s commitment to standing up for injured workers. While returning to the station, the member’s bus was struck with such force that the vehicle lifted and was propelled forward. He suffered multiple injuries and promptly turned to Thompsons Solicitors, the union’s legal partners, to pursue a claim on his behalf. Liability for the collision was accepted by the driver’s insurers, allowing negotiations to proceed without the need for court proceedings. Thanks to thorough legal representation and union support, a final settlement of £10,000 was reached. Importantly, as part of the union’s legal promise, the member received the entire amount with no deductions, demonstrating the strength and fairness of union-backed legal services. This case is a compelling example of how RMT provides more than just representation—it delivers results. From legal expertise to unwavering member support, the union ensures injured workers are not left navigating the claims process alone. RMT’s legal services continue to uphold the principle that justice should come without compromise — and this member’s outcome is a testament to that. HAVS An RMT member who developed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) has received a £35,000 settlement from Network Rail. The member began his railway career with Jarvis Rail, starting as an apprentice. His early years in the job involved extensive and prolonged use of vibratory tools—including Bance drills, disc cutters, Kango packers, rail drills, and impact wrenches—for track maintenance and repairs. Throughout his 10 years with Jarvis and subsequent years with Network Rail following a TUPE transfer, the member routinely used these tools for three to five hours a day without sufficient information or training on the risks of vibration exposure. Tool monitoring only commenced in 2018, years after his most intense periods of tool use. In 2016, the member began experiencing symptoms including blanching of fingers, tingling, numbness, and loss of grip strength, particularly in cold weather. Initially misdiagnosed, it was not until May 2021 that occupational health professionals formally diagnosed his condition as HAVS caused by prolonged exposure to vibratory tools in his work. Despite increasing pain and symptoms, the member continued working with tools to meet financial obligations, eventually moving into a supervisory role and later transferring to a less physically demanding position in 2024, specifically to avoid returning to tool use. Following his ordeal, the member instructed workplace injury experts at Thompsons Solicitors to bring a claim for compensation. The case was formally issued and was settled for £35,000 prior to it being listed for trial. Thompsons Solicitors lawyer Michelle Farrell said that the case showed why it is vital for employers to proactively manage the risk of vibration exposure. “Our client was not warned about the dangers, nor was his tool use properly monitored for many years. We are pleased that through the union’s legal service, he has now secured compensation that recognises the impact this preventable injury has had on his life”. Speaking after the settlement, the member said that he was completely unaware of the risks involved in using these tools for so many hours. “By the time my condition was diagnosed, the damage was already done. I am grateful to the union and to Thompsons for helping me get justice and financial security so I can now continue working in a role that doesn’t cause me more harm,” he said. FALL The union has successfully obtained a £5,600 settlement for the wife of a member following her injury in a fall. The incident took place while the member’s wife, a support worker, was returning home from the train station on a dark and rainy evening. She was walking down outdoor concrete stairs in an area cluttered with debris, where the lighting was not functioning. As she reached the second- to-last step, she slipped on debris and fell onto her hands and knees. The fall left her extremely traumatised and resulted in bruising to both hands and her right knee, as well as an abrasion to her left knee, which has left a scar. After the incident, the union engaged Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a compensation claim against the company responsible for maintaining the stairs. It was WINNING COMPENSATION RMT wins compensation in accident cases from day one of membership