Mansfield Man Instructed Military Lawyers To Help Him Access Specialist Therapies And Support

A former soldier diagnosed with hearing loss has spoken out after specialist military lawyers secured him a settlement.

Vance Bacon-Sharratt, from Mansfield, served in The Army’s Mercian Regiment. While attending a firepower demonstration (FPD) in October 2016, an explosion took place. Vance said he felt an instant reduction in his hearing, alongside pain and tinnitus, particularly in his left ear. He left The Army as a result of his injury.

Vance, 33, instructed military injury experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate. The legal experts have secured him a settlement of £350,000 from the Ministry of Defence.  The funds will allow him to access the ongoing specialist therapies and support he requires. The MoD denied liability.

Expert Opinion

“The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Vance, firstly coming to terms with his diagnosis and then making the tough decision to leave behind a career he loved.

All employers have a duty of care to protect their employees and through our work, we come across too many people who have sustained injury while serving in The Army. Hearing loss and tinnitus are serious health issues, the psychological and physical effects of which should never be downplayed.

While nothing will make up for what Vance has suffered, we’re pleased to have been able to help secure him settlement which will hopefully allow him to move forward with his life as best he can.” Chelsea Towner, Military Injury Lawyer

Vance enlisted in The Army in November 2008. His career ended March 2018, following his injury.

Vance is now a driving instructor and has a partner, Jemma, and two daughters.

He said: “When the explosion happened at the FPD, I felt the effects instantly.  I couldn’t hear properly, but at the same time there was a ringing in my ears.

“I ended up being diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus, which explained the discomfort I was experiencing.  It was extremely difficult to adapt my life around my diagnosis, which is why I felt like I had no option but to leave The Army, even though it was a career I’d always dreamed of.

“Since then, I have gone through many ups and downs and to this day I still struggle to come to terms with what’s happened.

“Despite everything, I’m grateful for the support I’ve had and wanted to share my story to make others aware of the help available.  I’m also determined to move on with my life and not let my hearing loss stop me from living it to the full.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling military injury cases