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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Compensation Claims

Hearing is a special gift we often take for granted. Tragically, nearly two million British citizens have already experienced hearing loss due to uncontrolled noise at their workplaces. Many jobs increase the risk of this happening, but your employer has a duty of care to prevent it. If you've been a victim of a workplace accident that led to hearing loss, understanding your rights and the possibility of claiming compensation is crucial.

PSR Solicitors are here to guide you through the process. We specialise in workplace accident claims and can help you secure the compensation you deserve. We can offer advice on the best course of action and provide legal representation if necessary.

To talk to our professional Work Accident Lawyers today please call the number at the top of this page or complete our online enquiry form. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with your Violence at Work Compensation Claim.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims with a No Win No Fee Agreement

No charges, even if your Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claim is unsuccessful
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Health & Safety at Work Experts

What is occupational hearing loss?

Occupational hearing loss is caused by being exposed to excessive noise or ototoxic chemicals whilst in the workplace.

If noise in your working environment exceeds 85 A-weighted decibels, this is classed as hazardous noise. This puts you at risk of developing hearing loss or tinnitus, which is a buzz or ring that you can feel in your ear, sometimes intermittent or permanent.

There is also a risk of damage to your ears and hearing from hazardous chemicals, causing ototoxicity (ear poisoning which can also effect balance). This can directly cause hearing loss or leave you more vulnerable to the effects of loud noise. It is estimated that around 10 million workers are exposed to ototoxic solvents.

If you believe that noise or hazardous chemicals at work have contributed to your hearing loss, it is vital you speak to a solicitor who can help you gain the compensation that you deserve.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

There are many ways in which hearing loss can present itself. Whilst your hearing could completely disappear, other signs include:

Not being able to hear people when there is background noise
Hearing only mumbling when someone is speaking to you
Asking people to repeat what they have said frequently
Having to turn the television up to loud volumes

If these symptoms seem familiar and you believe that your current, or previous, job has contributed, get in touch today. We can help you with your claim.

How do I start a hearing loss claim?

If you've experienced hearing loss due to an acute incident or prolonged exposure to noise at work, you might be feeling overwhelmed about what to do next. The process of claiming compensation can seem daunting, but by following a few clear steps, it becomes much more manageable. Here's a simple breakdown to guide you:

Get medical help: Before anything else, get yourself checked out. It's essential to know the extent of the hearing damage, and getting a doctor's assessment is a key piece of evidence when moving forward with your claim.
Keep a record: Documenting every detail of the incident can be invaluable. This could be specifics about the accident, details of the environment, or even prior warnings or communications related to noise hazards at the workplace.
Talk to a legal expert: Once you have everything together, the next step is to chat with someone who knows the legal side of things. This is where we come into play. Our dedicated team of professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of hearing loss claims. We'll walk you through the complexities, making sure you're well-informed every step of the way.

Is there a time limit for making a hearing loss compensation claim?

If you've noticed a dip in your hearing, you might be wondering when's the right time to start a claim. The key thing to know is that the clock starts ticking not when the hearing damage actually happened, but from the moment you realise something is wrong with your hearing.

Hearing loss usually creeps in slowly, often because of long-term exposure to loud noise at work. You might start by turning the TV volume up or asking people to speak louder. Whenever you make this connection, that's your cue to act quickly. Even if it's been years since you left the job where the damage might have happened, or if the company no longer exists, you can still pursue a claim.

Now, the general rule is that personal injury claims have a three-year window from the moment you become aware of the issue. But hearing loss cases can get a bit complicated because the damage usually builds up over time. So, once you realise your hearing problems are work-related, that's when the three-year countdown starts.

Given these complexities, we recommend contacting us sooner rather than later. We're here to guide you through the intricate details and make sure you don't miss your chance to make a claim.

How long will my hearing loss claim take to process?

Processing hearing loss claims does not have a set timeline. Injuries can take months to a year to settle, depending on the circumstances, complexity of your case and difficulty of proving liability. Whatever your case, we'll be with you every step of the way.

How much compensation can I claim for noise-induced hearing loss?

If your employer fails to provide the correct protective equipment against hearing loss, you could be entitled to compensation. The payout amount that you can gain varies depending on the impacts it has had on your life. You can claim for present and future losses, including, but not subject, to:

Medical expenses
Transport costs
Lost income
Hearing aids
Mental health support costs
Adapted equipment including special phones and doorbells
Care costs

Whilst it is harder to forecast how much you will lose in the future, our expert solicitors can help with this through evaluating evidence and speaking to witnesses. Not only can you claim compensation for monetary aspects, but you can also claim for:

Physical pain
Emotional effects
Lower quality of life
Change to daily life activities that you once could do
Less enjoyment out of life

These may be hard to quantity, as they do vary from case to case. Nevertheless, the Judicial College assesses the circumstances based on the severity of the injury. There are different brackets, which include:

Maximum of £5,590 for minor deafness or tinnitus
£6,910-11,820 for slight tinnitus AND slight deafness
Approximately £11,000 for mild tinnitus OR deafness
£11,820-13,970 for mild tinnitus with some form of hearing loss
£13,970 – £27,890 for moderate tinnitus AND hearing loss, OR moderate to severe tinnitus
£27,890 – £42,730 for total hearing loss in one ear
£85,170 – £102,890 for complete hearing loss
£102,890 – £132,040 for total deafness and loss of speech

How long will a personal injury claim take to process?

The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim will vary. There are three main things to consider: how quickly evidence can be gathered, whether the party responsible accepts blame, and the specifics of your injury. For example, if evidence is readily available and the other party admits fault, things can move faster. But if your injury is complex or severe, it might take a bit longer to figure out fair compensation. Every case is unique, so the timeline can differ.

Ongoing noise is more than just a minor irritant; it's a genuine risk to our health. Once your hearing dissapears, it will not return. Occupational hearing loss is a type of sensorineural hearing loss. This occurs when the sensitive hair cells within the inner ear or the auditory nerve itself becomes damaged. This results in the sound waves not being created as effectively, as your ear cannot detect as much sound as usual.

This is different from conductive hearing loss, which is when the sound waves are unable to reach the brain because of a blockage in the ear. This is why occupational hearing loss is permanent, as there is physiological damage as opposed to a temporary barrier.

Jobs involving loud machinery, like factories and construction sites, place workers at an elevated risk of noise-induced hearing loss. If you've been around tools such as drills or jackhammers, or if you've spent lots of time in noisy work environments like bars and nightclubs, your hearing might be compromised. Prolonged exposure to high-pitched noises can also damage your ears.

It's worth noting that even if symptoms surface years after exposure, individuals could still potentially claim compensation, especially if their employer didn't adhere to safety precautions. If you're feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by the idea of a claim, don't worry. We specialise in guiding individuals just like you through the process. We’re more than just solicitors; we're your support system, making sure you understand your rights and helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Regrettably, once noise exposure damages the hair cells in our inner ear, that damage is permanent and can't be fixed. However, there's still hope. While it can't be reversed, NIHL can be managed. Hearing aids are a common solution, and for more severe cases, hearing implants like cochlear implants can be considered.

Surprisingly, many wait an average of ten years before seeking assistance for hearing loss. If you believe your hearing isn't quite right, take action as soon as possible.

Dealing with tinnitus can be tough, and while there's no total fix, treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, and tinnitus retraining therapy could help. Chat with your GP or a health expert; they'll help you figure out the best approach.

Did your tinnitus arise from a work-related incident or someone's mistake? You could be in line for compensation. This can help cover treatment costs and the potential loss of earnings.

Although navigating this process can feel daunting, you don't have to go it alone. PSR Solicitors is experienced in such matters and is committed to ensuring you get the support that you need. Give us a call; we're ready to help you regain peace of mind.

Employers have a duty to look after their employees so no one should leave work with damaged ears. The law agrees. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that if noise levels in a workplace exceed 85 decibels, it's the employer's job to adopt protective measures. These include:

● Supplying ear protection gear, such as ear defenders or earplugs

● Offering employees routine breaks from continuous noise

● Avoiding prolonged and intense exposure to noise

● Reducing noise intensity wherever feasible

Not meeting these safety standards is a big deal – it can really affect someone's life. If your hearing is suffering due to your employers' negligence, you could have a case for compensation. This isn't just about money; it's about recognising its impact on your life. Chat with our friendly team at PSR Solicitors. If we think you have a case, we'll guide you through the steps you need to take.

Why Choose PSR Solicitors?

At PSR Solicitors, we guarantee that your claim will be handled by a fully qualified solicitor, which is why we achieve higher levels of compensation than our rivals. Not all legal firms employ qualified legal specialists for personal injury claims, often resulting in lost or significantly reduced settlements.

Our credentials speak for themselves. We have been accredited by the Law Society for our personal injury services and have received the Lexcel Practise Management Standard for excellent legal provision.

We're not just solicitors; we're real people who care about making things right. We're experts at handling hearing loss claims. More than that, we genuinely understand how tough this situation can be for you. So, when you choose us, know that you're not just getting legal experts, but a team that's got your back every step of the way.

For further details on the potential value of your Work Accident Compensation, please take a look at our Personal Injury Claims Calculator.

Contact our Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Solicitors Today

It is important that you don’t have to wait when pursuing a personal injury claim to ensure swift access to financial support and medical treatment. We will return any enquiry within one hour during the normal working day or during the next working day if you contact us out of hours.

Since 2009, we have helped thousands of clients who have been injured at work and we have experience of dealing with many hearing loss claims in the workplace. We can help you too so contact us today.

PSR are a leading practice of Personal Injury Solicitors in Wales and Injury Solicitors in Cheshire. With offices in Colwyn Bay, Ellesmere Port, Rhyl, Shotton, Wrexham, Wallasey, and Chester, we have been established in the heart of local communities since 2009.

We regularly act for clients on workplace violence claims across North Wales, Cheshire, Liverpool and Merseyside. As a recognised injury claims specialist we can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

We will respond to any query within one hour of normal office hours, or the next working day if you contact us during the evening or at the weekend.

Your key contacts for work accidents

PSR Solicitors are recognised experts in work accident compensation claims in North Wales & Cheshire.

Richard Layfield LLB

Solicitor - Head of Personal Injury

As an experienced personal injury and civil litigation Solicitor, I represent Claimants in all manner of personal injury case work including injuries as a result of Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, and Occupiers Liability Accidents. I handle all types off personal injury claims from the minor right through to complex, serious injury claims.