Stoke-on-Trent Man ‘Looks To Future’ After Lawyers Help Him Gain Justice

A former printer who suffers from noise-induced hearing loss has revealed how he is looking to move on with his life after specialist lawyers helped him secure a four-figure settlement from his former employer regarding the problems.

Nigel Burton, 56, worked for the packaging firm based on Smallthorne Road, Stoke-on-Trent, from 1989 to 2003. He began as a Print Assistant in the Printing Department before becoming a Team Leader in the Slitting Department.

However, after developing a gradual hearing loss he instructed specialist workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether the issues could be related to his working life.

Now after the legal experts helped him secure a settlement from Mitrelle Ltd regarding the hearing loss, Nigel has spoken of his relief at being able to look positively towards the future.

Sarah Tagg, the industrial illness expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Nigel, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This case is an important reminder as to why workers should always be provided with proper training and safety advice when working in environments where they are likely to be exposed to high levels of noise.

“Our client has been left with hearing problems which will affect him for the rest of his life as a result of the failings of his employer and, while we are delighted to have helped him gain a settlement regarding the issue, it is vital that lessons are learned from this.

“Employers simply cannot underestimate the importance of providing their workers with everything they require to undertake their jobs in a safe and effective manner.” Sarah Tagg - Paralegal

After seeking medical advice, Nigel was told by a Consultant Otolaryngologist that he may require hearing aids ten years earlier than he would have had he not been exposed to high noise levels during his working life.

Nigel has informed his legal team that the noise levels at the firm’s premises on Smallthorne Road were so high that for colleagues to hear each other they would have to shout.

Nigel, who has four children and three grandchildren, said: “When I was told that my hearing problems most likely stemmed from my employment at Britannia Packaging, it made me frustrated.

“I began working with the firm in 1989 but it wasn’t until 2000, 11 years after I began, that I was provided with ear plugs.

“My hearing problems cause me issues everyday but they are particularly frustrating when I am with my family, for example when I am fishing with my son I find myself asking him regularly to repeat what he has just said.

“While it has been hard to come to terms with the hearing loss, this settlement has given me a more positive outlook for the future as I know these funds will ensure I can continue to get the care, support and hearing aids I need to get the best from life.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in noise-induced hearing loss claims.