Noised-Induced Hearing Loss Claims
Zenith Lawyers have cultivated a niche of NIHL expertise. We are vastly experienced in noise induced hearing loss, also known as industrial deafness, securing successful compensation claims across the NIHL spectrum, including those for tinnitus and acoustic shock.
Repeated exposure to excessive noise can impact an employee’s hearing over time and frequently the damage to their hearing is irreversible. This is because consistently loud, repetitive noise can cause damage to the tiny hair cells that are formed within the inner ear which are responsible for our hearing. This form of hearing loss can affect one ear or both ears. Noise induced hearing loss can be difficult to detect as, often, the effects build up gradually, over time.
By law, employers have a duty to ensure all employees, contractors and visitors are safe and protected from exposure to excessive noise in the work place. They must ensure safety measures are in place and provide the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as deemed necessary, such as ear defenders. Failure to do so can result in irreversible hearing damage and /or hearing loss.
ELIGIBILITY
If you have sustained hearing loss or damage to your hearing due to excessive noise in the work place then you may be entitled to a Noise Induced Hearing Loss claim for compensation.
As an employee you are entitled to protection from anything that can cause you harm, including consistently noisy environments. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Noise Regulations 2005) emphasise the duties and legal responsibilities that require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work.
NIHL is common in typically noisy work places, such as:
- Foundries
- Steelworks
- Aviation
- Mining
- Engineering
- Quarrying and Stone Cutting
- Factories
- Mills
It is also predominantly common amongst people working in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s when the law governing the protection of an employee’s hearing was often complied with indifference. To date, NIHL remains one of the most common occupational diseases across personal injury claims.
Tinnitus & Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims
Tinnitus is a form of a noise-induced hearing loss. This occurs when you have a continuous sound in your ear that is audible only to you. You may not always hear it; it may come and go and you may also hear it when it is quiet. In some cases it can progress and even if it doesn’t then you may still be entitled to claim compensation. Some of the noises that are associated with tinnitus are:
- Buzzing
- Ringing
- Whistling
- Hissing
- Humming
- Throbbing
Tinnitus can cause frustration, anxiety and depression. If you believe that you may be suffering from tinnitus and that it is a result of being exposed to excessive noise in your place of employment then we advise you to contact us as soon as possible.
As NIHL is a form of a personal injury claim, you generally have 3 years to make a claim. This time limit normally commences from the date of diagnosis OR the date of knowledge of the injury caused. This is because NIHL conditions develop gradually, starting months or years in the future becoming noticeable and known only then.
Every claim is different from the other, each claim has its own merits and situations where they need to be followed up properly and thoroughly. How much you will end up receiving depends on many factors such as:
- The severity and extent of the injuries
- Expenses incurred include hospital bills, medication, rehabilitation costs, apparatuses, and any future medical care needs.
- Financial loses; lost wages or loss of earnings
- The pain, suffering and potential losses you’re likely to incur in the future.
Our specialists are here to make sure that maximum compensation is achieved with no stone unturned and will not rest assured until they deemed to have done everything possible.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY NOISED-INDUCED HEARING LOSS INJURY CLAIM TO SETTLE?
Each claim must be considered upon its own merits. We must obtain relevant evidence in relation to the incident to ascertain a form of admission from the third party, these situations can cause delays. Therefore, whilst we are unable to provide a time frame, we do promise to ensure the claim is dealt with in a prompt and professional manner.
WOULD YOU ASSIST WITH REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT?
We are not here only to just recover compensation for the negligence of someone else’s actions, we are here to also ensure that you are adequately looked at, cared for, and made sure that you are on the right path to recovery. Money can only go so far if you are still suffering, so we will do our best to align you with the best medical professionals out there to maximise your chances of recovery.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME TO MAKE A NOISED-INDUCED HEARING LOSS INJURY CLAIM?
Most of the claims we handle are on a No Win No Fee Basis. This means that you won’t pay anything upfront and will only pay if your claim is successful at the end. Most legal fees will be covered by the third party and the rest will only be deducted from your compensation award. All this will be formally discussed and agreed with you prior to proceeding forwards with your claim.
CAN I MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST MY EMPLOYER IF I NO LONGER WORK FOR THEM?
Whether you are still an employee there or not, it does not matter as you are entitled to make an injury claim whenever you want, as long as it is within the legal time period.