Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus – Frequently Asked Questions

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus are conditions that can be the result of many years of exposure to loud noise. Here we answer some frequently asked questions about claims made for these two surprisingly common conditions.

• I have only started noticing hearing loss/Tinnitus recently and worked in noise over 20 years ago. Could I still claim?

Yes – It is not unusual for issues associated with hearing loss to become noticeable until much later once the presbycusis loss (age loss) has married up with the noise loss and damage. It is not unusual to bring claims for exposure from 20, 30 or 40 years prior.

• The companies I worked at are no longer trading. Can I still make a claim?

Yes – The insurers who were covering the Defendants at the time you were employed for them will have to ‘step in’ for the Defendants and become the paymasters of the claim. The insurers can be found through historic employers liability insurers searches and this is something we will perform on your behalf.

• I worked for a number of different employers who exposed me to noise. Can I still claim?

Yes – The claim will be appropriately apportioned between all employers who exposed and therefore if one companies insurers can not be found it does not mean another company can not be pursued.

For example: if you worked for 4 noisy employers – each for 2 ½ years and each workplace exposed you to roughly the same noise, then each employer would be responsible for 25% of the overall claim.

• If I make a claim will I have to go to court?

It is very unlikely that you will have to attend any court hearing if you wish to pursue a claim. The majority of claims will conclude long before any court hearing is necessary.

• Will I need to have an examination?

Yes – We will instruct an ENT consultant to prepare a report. The report is to look into the likely causes of the Tinnitus and hearing loss. If the expert believes that on the balance of probability (51% chance) that the cause is due to noise exposure, then the report will support your claim.

• Will I have to meet the Solicitors face to face?

Generally our correspondence is done by telephone and post. We have clients throughout England and Wales. It is generally not required to meet face to face, although we are happy to arrange such a meeting if you would prefer.

• Will I have to pay anything?

Such claims will be run on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Further reading

Noise Induced Hearing Loss Claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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