17.10.2014
David Thomas, from Aberdare, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss after being exposed to high levels of noise while working with heavy machinery and hand-held power tools without the appropriate ear protection.
The 72-year-old married grandfather of three instructed specialist industrial illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the working conditions he endured. They found that he was not given the correct equipment to protect him while working in a loud environment, which ultimately led to him suffering from a loss of hearing.
The law firm has now secured Mr Thomas an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids and devices he now needs.
Mr Thomas worked for Cynon Valley Borough Council (which now forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council between 1969 and 1986 where he was employed as a maintenance fitter, repairing council-owned vehicles with heavy machinery and hand-held power tools, such as electric grinders, air chisels and impact wrenches.
He was also exposed to noise from the waste pulverising plant adjacent to the council’s Pontcynon workshop, as well as the revving of vehicles and other equipment being fixed at the premises.
Mark Lennon, a workplace illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Thomas, said:
Specialist Workplace Illness Lawyers Secure Compensation After Worker’s Hearing Deteriorates
A former local council vehicle maintenance worker has received a four-figure settlement after suffering hearing loss as a result of working in noisy conditions.David Thomas, from Aberdare, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss after being exposed to high levels of noise while working with heavy machinery and hand-held power tools without the appropriate ear protection.
The 72-year-old married grandfather of three instructed specialist industrial illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the working conditions he endured. They found that he was not given the correct equipment to protect him while working in a loud environment, which ultimately led to him suffering from a loss of hearing.
The law firm has now secured Mr Thomas an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids and devices he now needs.
Mr Thomas worked for Cynon Valley Borough Council (which now forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council between 1969 and 1986 where he was employed as a maintenance fitter, repairing council-owned vehicles with heavy machinery and hand-held power tools, such as electric grinders, air chisels and impact wrenches.
He was also exposed to noise from the waste pulverising plant adjacent to the council’s Pontcynon workshop, as well as the revving of vehicles and other equipment being fixed at the premises.
Mark Lennon, a workplace illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Thomas, said:
Mr Thomas, who lives with his wife Gwyneth said: “I am delighted and relieved that my former employer has agreed to the terms of settlement and I can now move on. It was so loud at the workshop where I worked that I would have to shout to communicate with colleagues working just a few feet away from me.
“I could tell over the past few years that my hearing was deteriorating and I now wear hearing aids in both ears. I regularly struggle to follow conversations which is really embarrassing at times. I also suffer with tinnitus and I need to have my telephone and TV turned up very loud to hear them.
“I hope that my case will act as a reminder to all employers of the need to protect their workers against the dangers of loud working environments. I wish to thank Irwin Mitchell solicitors and especially Mr Mark Lennon at the Birmingham office for all their work in bringing my case to a very satisfactory conclusion.
“After a lengthy battle, Mr Lennon succeeded in winning my case without it having to go to a full trial at Cardiff County Court. I am thankful to Mr Lennon and Irwin Mitchell solicitors for the professional way my case was handled. I recommend anyone with work related hearing loss to seek assistance from Irwin Mitchell.”
If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.
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