Local Appeal Tribunal case file for John Henry Cottom, aged 58, Miner at [colliery...

Date of birth:
Marital status: Married
Address: 134 Dale Close, Langwith
Type of benefit claimed: Industrial injury benefit
Type of injury: Fractured ribs
Further information: Mr Cottam had an industrial accident on 3 November 1955 and strained himself. Prior to this, he had been incapacitated from 6 September 1955 to 2 November 1955 as a result of another industrial accident on 5 September 1955 when he fractured his ribs. He was examined by the Ministry of Health on 16 December 1955 and benefit was disallowed from this date until 21 December 1955 on the grounds that the 'incapacity was not consistent with alleged injury' (from the Appeal paperwork dated 27 January 1956). The tribunal on 27 January 1956 found in favour of Mr Cottom. In the Chairman's notes it is stated that 'Insurance Officer's decision appears to be splitting hairs[...]Hard worker. Never lost his weekly bonus once since 1947 only in the case of this injury[...]one of the best attenders who has ever been at that Colliery.'