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11th August 2010
Process worker compensated for permanent hearing loss
Exposed to excessive noise in factory
A process worker has won £15,000 compensation for his employer’s failure to protect him from excessive exposure to noise, causing him to develop permanent hearing loss and require the use of hearing aids.Gerald Cox, 52, worked as a process operator for LG Philips Displays in the Belmont Industrial Estate near Durham between 1980 and 2005, when the factory closed.
No protection provided
He says that over the 25 years he worked for LG Philips Displays his employer failed to provide him with the protection he needed in a factory with excessive levels of noise.
“It was only since I left the factory that I’ve realised the damage that’s been done,” he says. “The biggest effect on me has been the seclusion, you just find you go into a world of your own. I know it’s been very frustrating for my wife to have to shout at me just so I can hear her.”
“The loss of hearing has had a huge impact on my quality of life. For example, if we go out to a restaurant and I have my hearing aids in I have to listen to the entire room’s conversation, but if I take them out I’m secluded again. It makes things very difficult.”
Nicola Waugh from Thompsons Solicitors says LG Philips Display had a duty to protect Mr Cox from excessive exposure to noise in the workplace.
“Working in a factory does not mean signing up to have your hearing permanently damaged. Mr Cox’s employer failed him in that respect, and it’s only fair that he has been compensated for a loss of hearing that he will have to cope with for the rest of his life.”
Compensation Claim Advice
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.
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