£17,675 Compensation Secured for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss at Fisherbody/TK ECC

At Keenan Solicitors, we recently secured a £17,675 settlement for a Belfast-based factory worker who developed noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus after working in Fisherbody/TK ECC for a decade. Despite years of exposure to excessive workplace noise, her employer failed to provide or enforce proper hearing protection, leading to long-term damage.

This case highlights the importance of holding negligent employers accountable and ensuring workers receive fair compensation for hearing damage caused by unsafe working environments.

What Happened?

Our client worked in both the Dundonald and Belfast factory locations at Fisherbody/TK ECC, primarily near the press shop, where loud industrial machinery operated daily. She experienced:
Consistently high noise levels with no ear protection provided.
Frequent ringing in her ears and dulled hearing after work.
Progressive hearing loss over the years, making daily communication difficult.

Over time, her symptoms worsened, leading to:

    – Struggling to follow conversations in one-to-one settings.

    – Turning up the TV and radio volume excessively.

    – Difficulty using the telephone due to muffled sounds.

    – Persistent tinnitus (ringing in her left ear), affecting sleep quality.

Realising her hearing loss could be work-related, she reached out to Keenan Solicitors for expert legal guidance.

Our Approach:

Confirming the Medical Diagnosis

To prove her hearing loss was caused by workplace noise, we:

• Arranged a free hearing test to determine if her hearing loss followed the established NIHL pattern.
• Collected employment and medical records to support her claim.
• Organised an ENT consultation with a specialist, who confirmed:
  • Her hearing loss was consistent with prolonged noise exposure.
  • Her tinnitus symptoms were linked to her work environment.

Issuing Legal Proceedings

Given the severity of her condition and employer negligence, we:

• Issued County Court proceedings to move the case forward without delays.
• Ensured she attended an independent medical examination requested by the defendant.
• Prepared the case for a contested hearing, ensuring all evidence was in place.

Settlement Negotiations

Before reaching the Contest hearing, negotiations commenced.

We successfully secured £17,675 in compensation for our client without the need for trial.

The Outcome:

Our client was delighted with her £17,675 settlement, which covered:

• Pain, suffering, and long-term hearing loss impact.
• The effect of tinnitus on her sleep and daily life.
• The distress of struggling with communication.

This case is a reminder that employers have a duty to protect their workers from excessive noise exposure. If they fail, workers have the right to claim compensation.

Have You Suffered Hearing Loss Due to Workplace Noise?

If you’ve worked in a noisy environment and now experience hearing difficulties or tinnitus, you may be entitled to compensation—even if your job ended years ago.