Industrial deafness, noise induced hearing loss and acoustic shock compensation
Industrial and occupational deafness compensation claims became
possible in 1963 when the Government confirmed that noise in the workplace could
cause hearing loss
and/or tinnitus. Since this time employers have had
a legal duty to assess and monitor the level of noise
within the work place and to protect their employees from excessive
exposure.
"Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors has recovered in excess of £1 million in compensation
for victims of noise induced hearing loss. We also work closely with leading Ear
Nose and Throat specialists in the UK."
Call us now on 0800 195 4365 or use our free, no obligation, online enquiry form to register
for a call back from our Industrial deafness compensation team.
Simpson Millar provides ‘expert service’ on a high volume of employers’ liability claims, particularly from union members, and is currently acting in asbestos-related litigation. Phillip Gower is a ‘dedicated lawyer with sound all-round knowledge of his subject’.
Legal 500 2010
Industrial/occupational deafness compensation claims
Employers must show that they have taken reasonable action
to decrease the noise levels where any noise is
assessed as excessive. If the Employer cannot restrict
the noise levels they have to offer hearing protection devices.
Lots of employers have ignored or failed to follow the guidance
issued by the Government resulting in many of employees suffering with industrial
deafness. Therefore, if you receive a diagnosis of
industrial deafness or believe that you have suffered hearing
loss and were exposed to noise during the course of
your employment then you may be entitled to receive
compensation for your injuries.
Acoustic shock compensation
Telephone operators are most at risk of
acoustic shock which is the term that refers to short, sharp bursts of high
frequency/intensity audio sounds through telephone headsets.
"Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors has been handling acoustic shock cases since the
early 1990s and has successfully acted for many workers."
Time limits
There is a 3 year time limit on all claims for industrial deafness/tinnitus
from the date you knew or ought to know you were suffering with the condition.
It is important that you contact a solicitor as soon as possible to seek legal
advice.
Our client worked as a call handler for a telecoms company. He was subject to 3
separate acoustic shocks through his headset. There had been a failure on the part
of his employers to provide fender units on the telephone system to prevent excessive
noise, and to reduce the risk of acoustic shocks. Our client's employers were on
notice that there had been previous incidents of acoustic shocks but had not taken
adequate steps to reduce the risk of injury.
Our solicitors recovered £160,000 in damages for him.
Make a no-obligation enquiry
Contact our industrial deafness team of solicitors now on freephone:
0800 195 4365 or complete our online enquiry
form and we will get in touch with you.
The employee started with BT and their predecessors in title in 1972 as a service
engineer. He was exposed to noise initially whilst working within the exchange construction
department. He was required to put in equipment and build in commission. He was
exposed to loud noise whilst working next/near to the exchanges which were being
operated. These were the mechanical exchanges which produce noise on a regular basis.
Our client worked throughout the day in the exchanges without any hearing protection.
In addition he was exposed to noise after he left the exchange construction department
and became a customer engineer. He was responsible for fitting lines from the exchanges
to telephone points in residential and commercial businesses. This included the
use of the amplifier and tone sets which were later to be discovered faulty. Our
client used the amplifier and tone sets to establish a line was in place and then
test the line on a daily basis and could be using the testing equipment up to 50
times plus per day through out each day. He was exposed to noise on this basis on
a regular basis throughout his employment. An investigation during our clients employment
found that the amplifier and tone set was faulty and dangerous. He received £19,000
in compensation.
Print
Did you find what you were looking for?
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our website so if you can't find what you are looking for or wish to pass on feedback please email: webmaster@simpsonmillar.co.uk.
Disclaimer: No information on this website shall be construed as
legal advice and information is offered for information purposes only. You should
always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal
enquiry. Calls to or from our legal helpline may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
External links are provided for your convenience, but they are beyond the control
of Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors and no representation is made as to their content. Use or
reliance on any external links and the content thereon provided is at your own risk.
Full terms of use...