Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Industrial Deafness Compensation for Former Mineworker
31st July 2007
A man from County Durham recovered compensation for his noise induced hearing loss with help from our specialist personal injury solicitors.
Occupational Deafness
When employees are exposed to excessive levels of noise at work, either over a long period of time or in a major event (for example an explosion), they can suffer permanent damage to their hearing. This is commonly known as noise induced hearing loss, occupational deafness or industrial deafness.
David Burns worked in the mining industry for RJB Mining from 1984 until 2005 and was exposed to excessive noise on a day to day basis during much of that period. He worked in open cast mines and with a drilling team and advised that: “The noise was often excessive; you couldn’t hear yourself think.”
At times Mr Burns was provided with sponge-type ear protection, although often there was no protection available at all. He realised that his hearing had been affected when he began to struggle to hear normal conversation. The hearing loss was confirmed when he underwent a routine health check.
Industrial Disease Claim
Mr Burns appointed The Legal Line’s lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, to handle a compensation claim against UK Coal Ltd, who took over RJB Mining.
He was awarded £4,500 in damages and his representative commented: “RJB Mining should have provided David Burns with suitable equipment to protect his hearing at all times. The compensation he has secured is wholly justified given the lasting damage to his hearing caused by the ongoing exposure to noise at work.”
Expert Claim Advice
If you or a member of your family is suffering from noise induced hearing loss, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our lawyers have extensive experience in all areas of personal injury, including industrial disease and occupational hearing loss claims.
Contact The Legal Line for specialist advice on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online claim enquiry form.
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