Miner's Knee

Miners knee is an industrial disease that has been hitting the headlines. This is because in April of 2009, the UK government announced that thousands of miners suffering from miner's knee (also known as osteoarthritis of the knee) will be able to apply for State compensation through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said the disease has made life difficult for retired miners, as well as forcing working miners to leave their jobs earlier than planned. He stated: "It is right that this help should be available to coal miners who are suffering from this painful condition following years of hard work." The fact that miners knee has been formally and legally recognised as an industrial disease and has been added to the government's list of 'prescribed diseases' has positive effects for claiming compensation from employers as well as from the State.

Miners knee is a condition that consists of osteoarthritis and/or meniscal injury caused by the appalling underground working environment that many miners were forced to suffer, such as unstable roadways and heavy weights, etc. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. It is thought to affect former employers of the National Coal Board and the British Coal Corporation and is currently the subject of an ongoing Group Litigation Order. Whilst claims cannot proceed whilst the test cases are ongoing, there are plans that the register will be closed to new claimants in the near future, therefore if you think you may be eligible for a miners knee claim, contact us today to ensure you don't miss out on your right to claim compensation.