Industrial Deafness Claims – How Much Compensation Can I Claim?
By Lewis Cobain. Last Updated 12th October 2022. Welcome to our guide on industrial deafness claims.
Industrial deafness
No matter where you work, your employer is required to take reasonable measures to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to reduce the risk of injury. If you have been diagnosed with industrial deafness and you believe your employer has not taken the required steps to prevent this from happening, you could be entitled to compensation.
However, you may be wondering what steps they are expected to take or how you can go about making such a claim. That is where we come in. At Legal Expert, we have years of experience in the personal claims industry, and we have handled many industrial deafness compensation claims.
You can call us on 0800 073 8804 for more information. But before you do so, read on to discover the most common issues and matters concerning these types of claims.
Can I make industrial deafness claims?
If you have been exposed to loud noise while at work and are suffering from any of the following symptoms as a result of it, you could have grounds to make industrial deafness claims for compensation:
- Temporary or permanent hearing loss or impairment
- Affected hearing in one of both ears
- You or your loved ones noticing your inability to hear things as you once did
Did you know that industrial deafness claims could also be made for the following conditions?
- Tinnitus: a constant ringing noise in one or both ears
- Acoustic trauma: a type of deafness that comes on almost immediately after experiencing an extremely loud noise, commonly resulting from explosions, gunshots and the like
To learn more about how you could claim the compensation that you deserve, please read on or get in touch today for a consultation and receive some free legal advice from our team of specialist advisors.
Select A Section
- A Guide To Industrial Deafness Compensation Claims
- What Is Industrial Deafness?
- Symptoms Of Industrial Deafness
- Law Regarding Preventing Industrial Deafness In The Workplace
- Liability For Industrial Deafness Claims
- Industrial Deafness Claim Time Limit
- Industrial Deafness Claims Procedure
- Top Tips For Proving Industrial Hearing Loss
- Industrial Deafness Compensation Amounts For 2022
- No Win No Fee Claims For Industrial Deafness
- Claiming For Hearing Loss – Why Choose Legal Expert For Your Hearing Claims?
- Contact Us Today
- Useful Links
A Guide To Industrial Deafness Compensation Claims
Have you suffered hearing loss and you believe your working environment has caused it? If so, there is a very real chance that you will be entitled to compensation. This is definitely something that you should explore further.
Research from the Health and Safety Executive has found that were an estimated 14,000 workers with work-related hearing problems in the 2018/19 to 2020/21 period. As the graph below shows, new cases of occupational deafness in the UK have generally been on a downward trend since 2010. However, new cases in 2019 did increase compared to the previous few years. There were 95 new cases recorded in 2019.
While you may not be able to reverse your condition, you can seek advice on whether you could be compensated for your illness, and we can advise you on this.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about industrial deafness compensation claims. This includes the hearing loss claim time limit, how to make a claim and how much compensation do you get for hearing loss. If you still have any queries by the time you finish reading this guide, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What Is Industrial Deafness?
So, what exactly is industrial deafness? Industrial deafness can also be described as noise-induced hearing loss or occupational deafness. This is a condition whereby hearing loss has been caused due to the working environment a person has been involved in. there are a number of different working environments that can cause occupational deafness, from farms to nightclubs.
There are also many different forms of hearing loss, from permanent to temporary, and many conditions, from acoustic shock syndrome to tinnitus, that can be caused. The main defining factor, though, is that it is the work environment that has caused this hearing loss or condition to happen.
Here are some examples of work environments whereby loud and/or continual noise is typical:
- Quarrying
- Mining
- Foundries
- Factories
- Engineering
- Construction
- Nightclubs
- Farming
Symptoms Of Industrial Deafness
There are a number of different symptoms that can be attributed to high levels of noise exposure within the workplace. And any of these could lead to industrial deafness compensation claims. This includes the following:
- Having to turn up the television or other forms of media to a high level to hear properly
- Complete lack of hearing in one ear or both ears
- Difficulty hearing in one ear or both ears
- Permanent or temporary lack of hearing
There are two hearing conditions, in particular, which should be elaborated on further because they tend to be attributed to industrial deafness, however, a lot of people do not immediately realise that this is the case.
- Acoustic trauma – This is a form of deafness that comes about at a rapid pace. It happens if someone is exposed to extremely loud noise, for example, a series of loud noises like gunshots at close ranges or an explosion.
- Tinnitus – This appears as continual droning, hissing, ticking, ringing or buzzing noises in your ears. This can also be caused due to loud noises.
If you’re diagnosed with industrial deafness following an incident or series of issues that weren’t your fault, it is worth seeking legal advice on whether you could potentially start an occupational deafness claim.
Law Regarding Preventing Industrial Deafness In The Workplace
All employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthy work environment. There are general work regulations in place that all business owners need to follow. Nevertheless, for some industries and environments, there are further regulations providing extra provisions regarding the health and safety of work environments. This is certainly the case for noisy work environments, as The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 were implemented in an attempt to combat this.
This is an act that is designed to protect workers from having to suffer from high noise levels. It provides employers with instructions they need to follow to minimise the risk of this. No matter what industry you work in, if there is noise above 80 dB or consistent noise levels, your employer needs to provide adequate ear protection equipment and look for ways to lower noise levels.
One of the steps employers need to take to comply with these regulations is carrying out a thorough and complete work assessment so that they can assess the level of noise in the workplace and whom it impacts. They then need to put measures in place to lower the risks associated with the noise. Some of the measures they may use are as follows:
– Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Shortening working periods
– Installing barriers and absorbent materials
– Using quieter machinery
Your employer is also required to train you regarding the risks associated with noise in the workplace. They need to carry out regular monitoring and maintenance too. When an employer fails in any of these requirements, this is when industrial deafness compensation claims will be made.
Liability For Industrial Deafness Claims
Determining liability is not always easy, especially if your employer has put provisions in place but you are then trying to figure out whether they have been adequate. The actions of your employer need to be reasonably practical in regards to the level of risk. If you are unsure regarding liability, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will be able to advise you further.
When it comes to industrial deafness claims, the case can be straightforward. This is because all employers are required to have employer’s liability insurance in place by law, which will cover such scenarios. In a lot of cases, claims are settled without having to go to court, and this is always our aim for our clients to ensure that everything is dealt with as swiftly as possible.
Industrial Deafness Claim Time Limit
As is the case with all personal injury cases, the hearing loss claim time limit is three years. In most personal injury cases, you will have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim.
However, pinpointing an accident date is generally very difficult with hearing loss, and, therefore, the industrial deafness claim time limit tends to be three years from the date of your diagnosis instead to make it fair.
We often get asked hearing loss claims how long does it take to get compensation? Every case is different, and so it is hard to give a definitive answer to this query. However, what we can tell you is that we always aim to succeed with your industrial deafness compensation claims as efficiently as possible.
Industrial Deafness Claims Procedure
You may be wondering what the industrial deafness claims procedure entails. We highly recommend that you carry out the following steps in order to make a claim. Gathering as much evidence as possible is critical for any personal injury claim, and industrial deafness claims are no different.
Visit a qualified medical professional, like a doctor
Not only is this important for your health so that you can get a correct diagnosis, but it is also imperative for your claim too. This is because the medical report that your doctor provides is used to decipher the payout you will receive. This report will state the extent of your hearing loss, your treatment, and the impact it is going to have on your life, and so it is vital in determining how much compensation you will be awarded.
Report the accident to your employer
It is important that you do this because all accidents and injuries need to be recorded in the workplace accident book – something all employers are required to have by law. This will help your case because it serves as official proof regarding what has happened to you.
Keep proof of any expenses you have incurred
When launching a claim for compensation, you do not only get to claim for any pain and suffering you have encountered, but you can also put in a claim for any costs you have had to fund because of what has happened to you. This could be a loss of earnings, childcare expenses, to costs of travelling to and from the hospital, hearing aid expenses, medical bills and so on. Make sure you record any out of pocket expenses and see that any treatments are logged on your medical records. If these treatments were costly, you can keep proof in the form of receipts and invoices of medical bills.
Contact Legal Expert
The last and most important step is to get in touch with our panel of specialist solicitors that has experience in hearing loss claims and can get you the compensation you deserve. That is where we come in to manage your industrial deafness compensation claims.
Top Tips For Proving Industrial Hearing Loss Claims
If negligence has caused you to suffer from industrial deafness, compensation amounts may vary depending on different factors. Without sufficient proof to back up your claims of negligence, you are likely to find it more difficult to make a successful claim. Gathering evidence is a vital step in the process.
Below, you’ll find a short of list of some examples of evidence you could gather.
- Inadequate ear protective equipment – Your employer is required to provide you with suitable ear protection if all other reasonable steps have been taken to protect your hearing and a risk is still present. However, the equipment you’re provided with must be suitable. If it isn’t, then your hearing could still be affected. Presenting the inadequate ear protection as evidence during your claim can be useful.
- Medical reports – Damage to your hearing can be a cumulative process rather than being caused by a single incident. Therefore, it may take a medical investigation months or years down the line to determine the cause of your hearing loss.
- Witness testimonies – Other employees at your current or former place of work may have also suffered from hearing loss due to their employer’s negligence. If so, they may be willing to submit a written statement to support your claim.
This is not a complete list, as there are other forms of proof that may also be useful. For more information on the evidence you can gather, you can get in touch with our team using the number above. Our advisors are waiting to answer any questions you may have such as whether you can claim government hearing loss compensation.
Industrial Deafness Compensation Amounts For 2022
You may be wondering how much an industrial deafness claim could be worth. However, each claim is unique. Due to this, the value of any potential hearing loss compensation will vary depending on your circumstances.
Although, what we can tell you is how compensation for industrial hearing loss can be calculated. The final amount you receive could be split into two figures. They’re known as general damages and special damages.
General damages address the suffering caused by the injuries directly. Legal professionals can calculate this amount with the help of resources such as the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication was updated in 2022. It includes many injuries and guide figures that relate to how much a general damages payment could be worth.
We’ve included some illustrative figures from the JCG in the table below.
| Hearing condition | Notes | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Total deafness & loss of speech | These cases tend to happen when the hearing loss has happened at an early age, meaning the development of normal speech has been hindered. However, there are cases whereby speech has also been impaired due to a work accident. | £109,650 to £140,660 |
| Total deafness | The lower payment is for cases where there is no tinnitus or speech deficit. | £90,750 to £109,650 |
| Total hearing loss in one ear | If the person has associated problems, including headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus, they will tend to receive a payment towards the higher end of the bracket. | £31,310 to £45,540 |
| Severe tinnitus | With noise induced hearing loss. | £29,710 to £45,540 |
| Moderate tinnitus | With noise induced hearing loss. | £14,990 to £29,710 |
| Mild tinnitus | With noise induced hearing loss. | £12,590 to £14,900 |
| Slight Tinnitus | £7,360 to £12,590 | |
| Slight noise induced hearing loss | £7,010 |
Claims For Industrial Deafness – Other Examples
Industrial deafness compensation amounts could also include special damages. In claims for industrial deafness, special damages are awarded to compensate you for any financial harm or losses caused by your injury.
When making hearing loss claims, how much you receive for special damages is unique to your situation. However, here are some examples of what you may be compensated for:
- A loss of income – Experiencing deafness may result in you taking time off work. You may be reimbursed for lost wages for this period.
- Hearing aids and implants – You may require such devices to help you hear. However, if you have to pay for hearing aids, you could be compensated for this expense.
- Travel costs – You could potentially be reimbursed for the costs of public transport or taxis if you are no longer able to drive or needed to travel to and from related appointments
To prove special damages, you should keep hold of the following evidence:
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- Receipts
- Invoices
If you would like to know more about what you could claim for special damages, speak to our advisors at any time by using our 24/7 live chat feature.
Get in touch for more information on what could potentially be included in your industrial hearing loss claim.
No Win No Fee Claims For Industrial Deafness
When it comes to making claims for industrial deafness, one of the main advantages that are associated with using Legal Expert is the fact that we only handle cases on a No Win No Fee basis.
What does this mean for your industrial deafness compensation claims? This is a payment structure whereby you will not need to pay any legal fees if your case is unsuccessful. This provides you with financial protection because it means you are only going to be paying for a winning service. You won’t find yourself in a position where you have a big legal bill but you do not have any compensation.
If your case is a success, which we are sure it will be, the legal fees will come from your payout. This will be a percentage that you and your solicitor have agreed on beforehand.
Therefore, you do not need to worry about where you are going to get the money to pay your solicitor. Not only this, but it means that those who feel they do not have enough money to claim can actually do so, as no upfront payment is necessary.
There are knock-on benefits too. After all, you know your solicitor is going to be working hard for you because he/she is accountable for the service they provide. This gives people great reassurance when using legal services.
Claiming For Hearing Loss – Why Choose Legal Expert For Your Hearing Claims?
You may be wondering which legal firm is best suited to handle your case. It is important to note that you don’t have to pick a personal injury lawyer that lives in your area. Our solicitors at Legal Expert offer a nationwide service, and we can give you the best possible chance of winning your claim.
Our personal injury lawyers have many years of experience in the legal sector. They have handled many successful claims in the past, and this includes hearing claims just like yours.
Furthermore, we aim to help you win the most compensation possible based on the circumstances surrounding your injury. If you get in touch, we can offer a valuation on how much you could potentially claim for industrial deafness.
Our solicitors at Legal Expert can make the claims process easier while reducing stress for you. To find out more about how out solicitors could help you when claiming for hearing loss, contact us today.
Contact Us Today
If you are reading to make a claim for industrial deafness compensation, or you have any further queries, be it about industrial hearing loss government compensation or you would like some hearing loss claims reviews, we would be more than happy to assist you in any manner we can.
You can reach our claims team to discuss your potential industrial deafness compensation claims by calling 0800 073 8804. You can also reach us through various methods online if you prefer. This includes email, live chat, and our contact form.
Useful Links
We hope that you have found this guide helpful on your quest to locate further information on industrial hearing loss claims. However, if you are looking for more information, you may find the links below helpful.
This link will take you to the NHS page on hearing loss so you can find out more about the condition, including symptoms, treatment, living with hearing loss, and much more.
Government’s hearing loss information
This is a government publication on noise-induced hearing loss, which is helpful for those seeking information on UK industrial hearing loss government compensation.
Health and safety at work statistics overview
Check out this page on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to get access to all the different work safety and accident statistics published by the organisation.
Below, you can find lots of guides on claiming compensation for a workplace accident:
- How to claim for a minor injury at work
- 10 things to know about accident at work claims
- What to do if injured from work activities
- Firefighter accident at work claims
- Agency worker accident at work claims
- Night shift accidents
- Emergency service worker accidents
- Part-time worker accidents
- Accidents caused by inadequate protective equipment
- Paralysis injury claims
- Work accidents caused by tools
- Office accident claims
- Injuries caused by dangerous machinery at work
- Workplace accident claims
- Can you make an injury claim against a colleague?
- Agency worker accident claims
- Forklift truck accidents
- Can I be sacked for making a workplace accident claim?
- Do I get sick pay after an accident at work?
- Steps to take when injured at work
- Manual handling claims
- One person and two-person lifting and handling cases
- How to claim for a ladder accident
- How to get compensation for a cut finger at work
- Scaffolding accident claims
- Warehouse accident claims
- Defective work equipment cases
- Our accident at work claims FAQs page
Industrial Deafness Compensation Claims FAQs
How long does an industrial deafness claim take?
The claims process for cases of this nature generally lasts between 6-12 months from start to finish.
Who pays for industrial deafness claims?
The employers have a legal requirement to be liable for payment if the claim results in a settlement.
How do you know if you have industrial deafness?
Typical symptoms include not hearing part or all of a sentence, not hearing speech with background noise, ringing, droning, buzzing, ticking, roaring and hissing.
What causes industrial deafness?
Loud noises at work due to the repetition of exposure, or a sudden noise of great volume like an explosion, could cause industrial deafness.
What does going deaf feel like?
Sometimes a loud “pop” is audible beforehand, as well as dizziness, ear fullness and ringing (potentially Tinnitus).
How is industrial deafness treated?
Usually, general medication or surgical medical procedures handle industrial deafness, though hearing aids can also help greatly.
What are the four levels of deafness?
These are mild, moderate, severe and profound.
What does a 40 dB hearing loss mean?
A 40-60 decibel (dB) level of hearing loss means moderate deafness that prevents the victim fully understanding speech. As a result, things like the TV and radio have to be set at a higher volume.
Thank you for reading our guide about industrial deafness claims.