£12,000 Settlement Secured for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

What Happened?

Our client worked for Morphy Richards in Bangor between 1996 and 2000. He was employed in a manufacturing environment where there was constant exposure to loud industrial noise from machinery and assembly operations. During this period, there was no adequate hearing protection provided, and the use of such protection was not enforced.

Although he was unaware at the time, this noisy environment had a lasting effect on his hearing. In recent years, he began noticing increasing difficulties hearing conversations, particularly in noisy environments or group settings.

 

 

The Case:

Our client contacted Keenan Solicitors to investigate whether his hearing difficulties could be linked to his former work. He had been recommended to speak with Cormac Keenan, well known for his expertise in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) claims.

Cormac took the time to understand the extent of our client’s hearing issues, which included:

• Needing to ask people to repeat themselves regularly.
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy settings.
• Struggling with telephone use.
• Constantly turning the TV and radio volume up.

 

We obtained a full employment history, along with all relevant GP and hospital records. A free audiology test was arranged for our client, which showed that his hearing loss was consistent with noise-induced hearing loss — rather than purely age-related changes.

We then arranged an appointment with a Consultant ENT Surgeon, who carried out a thorough examination and provided a detailed medical report confirming the link between his hearing loss and his employment at Morphy Richards.

To progress the case, we issued County Court proceedings. Shortly after, negotiations commenced, and we were able to secure a successful out-of-court settlement of £12,000 for our client.

 

 

The Outcome:

Before reaching the Contest hearing, negotiations commenced.

We successfully secured £12,000 in compensation for our client without the need for trial.

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 Morphy Richards, or in another noisy environment and now experience hearing difficulties or tinnitus, you may be entitled to compensation—even if your job ended years ago.