Miners Don't Need A Lawyer Warns MP

Mary Creagh MP is warning former miners in Wakefield not to be taken in by offers from lawyers to help them claim compensation for miners knee.

Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield said: “My message to former miners is simple – if you suffer from miners knee, you can claim for free.”

“When Labour introduced compensation for miners who suffered from respiratory diseases or vibration white finger some lawyers charged miners for work which the government already paid for. I am worried that this will happen again. It is important that people do not fork out for a lawyer when they can claim without any cost to themselves.”

The Government announced last month that osteoarthritis of the knee in former coal miners was being added to the list of prescribed diseases covered by the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme. This means that coal miners with this disease will be able to make claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).

Claims for IIDB can be made directly to Jobcentre Plus free of charge. Former miners will be helped by very experienced staff and will be able to help with any enquiries that people may have about claiming IIDB. We are keen to ensure that everybody with the disease makes a claim and although it is each individuals choice, there is no need to involve solicitors in this process.

Mary Creagh MP urged miners to pick up the phone to the claim line, not to a solicitor: “If you feel you may be eligible to make a claim, and you need further advice, you can phone 0845 758 5433. This is the telephone number of the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit office which will deal with claims from our area.”

Symptoms of the disease include pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. The change is expected to come into force in July.