Industrial Deafness and Hearing Loss

The personal injury and medical accident lawyers at Bond Pearce have experience in dealing with claims involving deafness and damage to hearing. Many of our clients who have suffered damage to their hearing worked in industries where little or no protective hearing equipment was provided. Below you will find the different types of compensation awarded and also some case examples which show what a difference specialist legal knowledge can make to a claim.

The different types of compensation appropriate to damage to hearing or deafness.

An injury to hearing or deafness entitles a successful claimant to seek compensation for general damages (this is intended to compensate for the pain, injury, suffering and loss of amenity caused by an injury to hearing or deafness) and special damages (to compensate for the losses and expenses incurred in the past and in the future)

These are the guideline awards of general damages for deafness, suggested by the Judicial Studies Board:

The different types of special damages and other compensation particularly relevant to an deafness:

It is always necessary to consider whether an additional award of general damages is necessary to compensate the effect of the deafness on the individual's career prospects.

Other common items include past and future lost earnings; treatment, hearing aids and therapy costs and the travel and incidental costs of obtaining these.

In many deafness cases Bond Pearce can help you obtain an early payment on account of your damages, to assist an early rehabilitation.

Shelly's deafness

Shelly became completely deaf in both ears after receiving negligent treatment at her local hospital. She learned how to lip read. Shelly was able to work, but was handicapped on the open labour market and was likely to have problems finding a new job if she became unemployed.

Shelley received general damages of approximately £68,000; loss of earnings and handicap on the open labour market in excess of £150,000; care and assistance of approximately £15,000; aids and appliances of £5,000. Total compensation award in excess of £237,000.

Peter's Deafness

Peter suffered noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of his employment. He had constant tinnitus which made it difficult for him to fall asleep. He also had significant hearing loss in the higher frequencies, which was improved by wearing hearing aids.

Peter received General Damages of approximately £10,000 and a further £7,500 for the purchase of past and future hearing aids. Total compensation award of £17,500.

Martha's Deafness

Martha suffered noise induced hearing loss as a result of her employment. She did not suffer from tinnitus, but had high frequency hearing loss that made it difficult to follow conversations, watch television and speak on the telephone.

Martha received general damages of £4,300 and special damages of £150. Total compensation award £4,450.

If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to hearing loss or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650.