North Carolina Workers’ Compensation for Vibration White Finger

Learn about vibration white finger and find out if you qualify for workers’ comp benefits in Charlotte if you’re affected

Vibration white finger (VWF) is a debilitating condition affecting the hands and fingers due to prolonged exposure to vibrating tools. Other terms associated with this condition include occupational Raynaud’s phenomenon, white finger syndrome, dead finger, wax finger, vibration-induced white finger, and pneumatic hammer syndrome. 

Many Charlotte workers in industries like construction and manufacturing are impacted by this condition, which can impact their ability to perform their job duties, leading to decreased productivity, loss of income, and long-term health issues.

Fortunately, most employees in the state are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation after an on-the-job injury. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and prognosis of VWF and guide you through the process of filing a workers’ comp claim in North Carolina.

What is vibration white finger?

Vibration white finger is a repetitive stress injury that results from prolonged use of vibrating tools and heavy equipment, such as jackhammers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, and grinders. Over time, these vibrations can cause small, repeated traumas to the blood vessels and nerves in the hands and fingers, leading to the following symptoms:

If left untreated, VWF can progress and lead to a condition called hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which also includes damage to nerves, muscles, and joints in the hand and arm. As HAVS develops, it can cause more severe symptoms, such as chronic pain, numbness, and reduced grip strength, ultimately impacting a person’s ability to work and perform everyday tasks.

Does vibration white finger go away?

Symptoms of VWF may not go away completely, especially if the damage is severe. Early stages can improve with reduced exposure to vibration, but long-term or severe cases often result in permanent damage. 

Reducing the use of vibrating tools, using protective equipment, and making ergonomic adjustments can help reduce symptoms and prevent VWF from worsening. However, if blood vessels and nerves are severely damaged, symptoms may persist indefinitely, making early intervention crucial to preventing lasting effects.

How to test for vibration white finger

Testing for VWF involves a doctor looking at your medical history, doing physical exams, and performing specific tests to check blood flow and nerve damage. During the exam, the doctor will check your hands and fingers for signs like whitening, poor blood flow, muscle loss, and changes in skin texture. 

Some vibration white finger tests your doctor may conduct include:

These thorough evaluations assist in diagnosing VWF and determining its severity, guiding appropriate treatment strategies to prevent further damage and improve health outcomes.

What is vibration-induced white finger associated with?

VWF is commonly associated with jobs and tasks that involve regular and prolonged use of hand-held vibrating tools. Some of the workers most affected by this condition include:

Vibration-induced white finger is a serious occupational hazard. If you believe you may be experiencing VWF symptoms because of your job duties, it’s crucial to seek a diagnosis and treatment promptly to prevent long-term damage.

Can you work with a white finger?

VWF can be challenging, and whether or not you can continue working depends on the condition’s severity and your job. 

In mild cases, you may be able to continue working by using anti-vibration gloves, keeping tools well-maintained, taking regular breaks, and rotating tasks to reduce exposure. These measures can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage.

For moderate to severe cases, continuing to use vibrating tools can worsen the condition and cause permanent damage. You may need to modify tasks, find alternative job assignments that avoid vibration exposure, or even seek new employment.

Can you claim compensation for a white finger?

Yes, you can get workers’ compensation for VWF if you can prove that the condition is work-related. Workers’ comp benefits are designed to support employees with job-related injuries, including repetitive stress injuries like VWF.

In North Carolina, most businesses with 3 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance, with exceptions for certain agricultural workers, sawmill and logging workers, domestic employees, railroad workers, and independent contractors.

If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits, it’s wise to reach out to a local Charlotte work injury attorney who can help explain your rights and legal options for compensation.

Is it hard to prove that vibration white finger is work-related?

Proving that vibration white finger is work-related is generally straightforward because of the well-established link between the condition and prolonged use of vibrating tools. However, challenges can arise in determining the level of disability and calculating the appropriate compensation, especially for workers with a permanent disability that prevents them from working. 

Additionally, it can be tricky if there is suspicion of a similar condition, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, which has similar symptoms. The key difference is that VWF is specifically caused by occupational exposure to vibration, whereas Raynaud’s can have other underlying causes like genetics or impaired circulation.

If your claim is denied or if you want help determining if the compensation you’re offered is fair, it’s wise to reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney who can evaluate the circumstances of your claim and help protect your rights.

What benefits can I get from workers’ comp?

Workers’ comp provides essential support for employees who suffer work-related injuries, illnesses, or diseases. If your claim is approved, the key benefits you can expect from workers’ compensation include:

These benefits aim to support injured workers and their families while they recover and transition back to work or adjust to any long-term impacts of their injuries.

How to file for workers’ comp in NC

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina for vibration white finger involves several important steps to ensure your condition is properly documented and your rights are protected:

1. Seek medical care. As soon as you notice symptoms of vibration white finger, such as numbness, tingling, or whitening of the fingers, seek medical attention. It’s crucial to have your condition diagnosed and documented by a health care provider who can link it to your work-related use of vibrating tools. This medical documentation will be key to supporting your workers’ comp claim.
2. Inform your employer. Notify your employer of your VWF diagnosis in writing within 30 days of receiving it. This notification is essential to ensure that your employer is aware of your condition and your intention to file a claim.
3. Submit Form 18. To officially start your workers’ compensation claim, complete and submit Form 18 to the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC). This form should be filed as soon as possible, but no later than 2 years after you first noticed symptoms or received your diagnosis.
4. Await the insurer’s decision. After submitting Form 18, the insurance company has 14 days to provide written notice of whether they accept or deny your claim. During this time, they will review your medical records, job history, and any other relevant information to determine if your VWF is work-related.

Given the complexities of proving the extent of disability and differentiating VWF from similar conditions, it’s highly advisable to consult a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can guide you through the process, help gather necessary evidence, and represent your interests, especially if your claim is initially denied.

Contact an experienced Charlotte, NC workers’ compensation attorney for help with your claim

If you or a loved one has developed vibration white finger due to prolonged exposure to vibrating tools at work, it’s crucial to take action to protect your health and secure the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. 

The skilled Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Wilder Pantazis Law Group have over 85 years of combined experience helping injured workers navigate the complexities of the claims process. With our deep knowledge of occupational injuries and dedication to client success, you can rest assured your case will be handled with the care and attention it requires.

Want to learn more?

Contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your financial future.