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News Desk | News Story
22nd October 2009
Welder compensated for hearing loss
Damages for Occupational Deafness
A GMB member who was exposed to dangerous levels of noise by three different employers has been compensated following help from Thompsons Solicitors.John Walton, 46, from Penrith has received £12,750 in damages after suffering occupational deafness.
His hearing became damaged when working for British Steel Corporation, now known as Corus from 1978 to 1983. Darchem Projects Limited from 1985 to 1987 and Turbros Engineering from 1987 to 2007.
Medical diagnosed hearing loss
The welder worked in a noisy environment for all three employers and was diagnosed with hearing loss after a medical in 2007.
He said he’d had a problem with his hearing for a number of years but it wasn’t until he had the medical that he realised the extent.
After his diagnosis he was advised by a colleague to pursue compensation.
Welder worked in noisy environment
He contacted his union, the GMB, which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors.
All three employers admitted liability and a settlement was agreed out of court.
Mr Walton said: “As a welder I worked in an environment which was constantly noisy. We were never warned that we might become deaf as a result of our work.
“I’m not even 50 yet but already I find it difficult to hear when there is background noise and it can be embarrassing in a social situation. By claiming compensation I wanted to warn others to demand adequate protection for their ears when working in a noisy environment.”
Exposed to excessive noise in the workplace
Billy Coates from the GMB said: “Loss of hearing affects many of our members who have been negligently exposed to excessive levels of noise in the workplace. Often their hearing problems can go unnoticed for a long time.
“It is only right that those deafened through their employer’s negligence should be compensated for the long term damage to their hearing.”
Linda Redhead from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Many employees who suffer from loss of hearing do not realise it has been caused by their work. Many think it is just part of ageing. However, where workers have been exposed to excessive levels of noise in the workplace they are entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.”
Advice about Compensation Claims
If you or someone you know has developed occupational deafness or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim, including claims for occupational deafness. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim for occupational deafness in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your industrial deafness, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
