BT Worker Receives Settlement in Acoustic Shock Claim
Permanent Tinnitus
Mrs L from the north east received a five figure settlement in her claim for Acoustic Shock resulting in permanent tinnitus.
Mrs L worked for BT and was subject to a short burst of noise in her headset. An acoustic shock is white noise in a very loud and sudden burst. Following the shock Mrs L's ears hurt and her immediate reaction was to remove the earphone headset. She also felt dazed for a number of hours.
The acoustic shock caused Mrs L to suffer from permanent tinnitus, this is a high pitched noise which can be either central or effect one side of hearing more than the other.
The permanent tinnitus meant Mrs L was unable to continue with her job at BT and this caused a significant effect on her social life.
Lee Carnall of Irwin Mitchell added, "Tinnitus to this extent can have a major impact on a person's home and work life. Employers must ensure that all precautions are taken to protect employees in call centres especially when you consider the amount of people employed in such roles. I am very pleased we were able to recover damages for our client to compensate her for the pain, suffering and injury she has encountered."