If you have been diagnosed with a hearing problem which is linked to your occupation or former occupation, you should seek legal advice promptly as time limitations will apply to claims of this nature. The claims process can vary but generally adopts the following format;

1. Initial Consultation – When you arrange to meet one of our personal injury solicitors they will take your full instructions which will include your allegations of exposure to excessive noise and when you were diagnosed with a hearing problem or deafness. It is advisable for clients to keep a written record of this as claims can be made many years after exposure.

2. Letter of Claim – When your solicitor has identified the negligent employer, they will send a letter outlining detailed allegations of negligence and breach of statutory duty. The employer is then obligated to pass these details on to their insurance company.

3. Engineers Report – An engineer’s report may be required to provide an expert opinion on the level of noise that the Claimant was exposed to and whether this is appropriate.

4. Medical Evidence – If you have been to your GP or the Hospital in respect of this injury your solicitor will obtain these notes and arrange for you to be examined by a specialist medical consultant in order to provide a report on your injuries. The purpose of the report is to examine whether the Claimant’s injuries were caused by workplace negligence.

5. Decision on Liability – The employers insurance company have three months from the date our letter of claim is sent to complete their investigations and provide a decision on liability. If liability is admitted, then your solicitor will forward medical evidence to the insurance company and settlement negotiations will begin.

6. Court Proceedings – If liability is denied your solicitor will consult with you and discuss issuing court proceedings to try and recover damages. When court proceedings are issued your solicitor will instruct a specialist barrister to help prepare your case for hearing. Court proceedings can also be issued in a case where liability has been admitted if we feel the compensation being offered by the insurance company is not sufficient. Our expert solicitors will advise clients on their options, but the final decision will always be made by the client.