WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 14

WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS.

CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION.

CASE OF NEURASTHENIA.

INJURY FROM FALLING COAL.

A claim for compensation arising out of a waterfront accident was heard in the Arbitration Court yesterday, before Mr. Justicc Frazer and Messrs. W. Scott and H. Hunter respectively.

The plaintiff, John Joseph Sullivan (Mr. O'Regan), claimed that on January 4 last, while employed by the defendants, the Union Steam Ship Company, Ltd. (Mr. Richmond, instructed by Messrs. Russell, Campbell and McVeagh), he was totally disabled through a quantity of coal falling on him. He was then engaged shovelling coal on tho Kawatiri. He claimed full compensation to date, and any further sum the Court might award. The sum of £31 15s 6d had already been paid. Counsel for plaintiff said tho main element of tho case was neurasthenia. The anxiety of the present case had been a factor in the man's condition continuing. Medical evidenco was given that it would be six months before plaintiff would be fit again. For defence, it was contended that had plaintiff taken a sum in compensation when it Was offered to him, ho would have been fit in two months. His Honor said the case was one of genuine neurasthenia, while plaintiff was also suffering from what was called "compensationitis." When the worry of the present case was off his mind, plaintiff would recover. He was given full compensation from tho time of tho accident to date, full compensation for one month further, and half compensation for another threo months. Judgment was given for £150 As 3d, and costs. WORKER LOSES TWO TOES. SUM OF £30 AWARDED. .Another waterfront accident resulted in n claim by Charles Driscoll (Mr. O'Regan) against Leonard and Dingley, Ltd. (Mr. Richmond). Some compensation had been paid. In August of this year; plaintiff was struck by a falling piank while loading timber on Prince's Wharf, and two of his toes were amputated. For the plaintiff, it was stated he had been totally disabled till now and it would be fsome months before ho would be fit for heavy work. For the defence, it was contended there was now r.othing wrong with the foot, except tenderness. The weight-bearing part was quite normal, and with a comfortable boot on the man could go to work at once.

Full compensation to date was allowed, full compensation for another month, and half compensation for another three months, a total of £30 19s sd, with costs.