Serving in the armed forces can often mean working in a noisy environment. Most will get used to the excessive noise after a while, but exposure can lead to very serious consequences if the proper safety measures are not taken.

If you've experienced noise-induced hearing loss while in the military because of a negligent approach to hearing protection, then our solicitors could help you claim compensation.

We've successfully pursued cases of noise-induced hearing loss caused by:

Gun and artillery fire
Mortars
Explosions
Pyrotechnics
Aircraft noise
Vehicle engine noise
Brass bands.

Hearing loss is not the only symptom caused by excessive noise exposure. Tinnitus and hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds) are also frequently caused by these cases, and you could claim compensation for these conditions too.

In any hearing damage case, we consider the volume, frequency, duration and intensity of the noise that you were exposed to, and we are able to interpret audiograms and consult with medical experts to assess the damage to your hearing. We have a proven track record with hearing damage cases both for military personnel and civilians.

If you’ve experienced noise-induced hearing loss while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, RAF or Special Forces you may be able to claim compensation. You could also claim if you were injured while serving in the Army Reserve (formerly the Territorial Army), Navy Reserve or RAF Reserve.

There has been a rising number of deafness claims made by armed forces personnel in the last few years, with many allegations of inadequate ear protection being made. If you've experienced hearing damage, call us on 0800 022 3321 or contact us online today for a free consultation on your case.

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Military Hearing Loss Claims - More Information

- Can I Make A No Win No Fee* Claim For Military Hearing Loss?
- Many of our cases are funded with a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there’s no financial risk* to you when making a compensation claim.
  
  At the start of your case, we'll discuss funding options with you, advising you which we think is most suitable. If you have legal expenses insurance (LEI), this may be best for you. Legal expenses insurance is included in many household or car insurance policies, so it’s always worth checking whether you’re already covered.
  
  If we think you're best supported by a No Win No Fee* agreement, we'll explain the process clearly. You'll only have to pay anything if your claim is successful – your opponent will pay most of our fees, with the remaining costs coming out of your compensation settlement.
  
  Please visit our No Win No Fee page for more information on how it works.
- How Much Compensation Could I Receive For Military Hearing Loss?
- How much compensation you receive after a military accident or illness will depend on a few factors related to your condition, its circumstances, and the support and rehabilitation you need.
  
  When calculating your compensation, we'll take the following things into account:
  - Your age, rank and specialism
  - The pain and suffering caused by your injury or illness
  - Loss of your service earnings caused by delayed promotion or medical discharge
  - Loss of any civilian earnings
  - Loss of pension contributions / resettlement grant
  - Loss of a commitment bonus
  - Loss of specialist pay and allowances
  - Loss of service benefits including loss of subsidised quarters and Learning Credits
  - Your care and support needs – both now and in the future
  - Modifications to your home
  - Mobility aids
  Any settlement is paid by the Ministry of Defence, out of a specific budget set aside for these situations. It doesn't come out of your unit’s budget, and it doesn’t come out of the budget which pays for kit, equipment and other resources.
  
  For more information, call us on 0800 022 3321 and we'll be happy to discuss your options in a free initial consultation
- Will Claiming Impact My Career?
- No. The MoD understands that they ask service personnel to do a difficult job in dangerous situations – and unfortunately accidents do happen. They recognise and respect the individual's right to bring a legal claim for injuries. Claiming won't affect your entitlement to a pension, either.
  
  The Ministry of Defence should not discriminate against personnel who bring compensation claims after an injury. If you're planning on continuing your service career after your claim, then there are very strict rules about discriminating against someone on this basis.
- What's The Claims Process For Military Hearing Loss?
- To make a compensation claim for a military injury or illness, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with us for a free initial consultation. We'll discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident or illness, advise you on whether or not we think you can claim, and whether you could benefit from a No Win No Fee* arrangement.
  
  The claim will begin by sending a formal letter of claim to the Ministry of Defence. After this, the claim will usually follow the same four stages:
  
  1. Investigation. We'll begin by determining the extent of your injuries, and the losses they may result in. This will involve obtaining copies of your military medical notes, and any civilian hospitals you've received treatment at. We'll also need a copy of your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme file, and your personnel file.
  
  The MoD will undertake an investigation, which usually starts by contacting your unit to confirm details of your accident, and obtain any relevant paperwork. They may also speak to any of your colleagues who were present at the time of the accident, and can provide witness evidence.
  
  2. Rehabilitation. If you have any medical care or support needs, we'll help you to access the necessary treatment and advice.
  
  3. Compensation. We'll work out how much compensation you should get based on the severity of your injuries and your pain and suffering, any medical expenses you've had and your ability to get back to work. We'll put this amount to the MoD, and they can either accept liability or contest the claim.
  
  4. Resolution. If the MoD accepts blame, you'll be awarded compensation. If not, court proceedings will begin.
  
  We will try to settle your claim on the best terms, considering options in addition to bringing court proceedings. The MoD should also do the same, as they are obliged to as a branch of government.
  
  Starting proceedings doesn't mean that your claim will definitely go to trial. Instead, it means that the court take over the management of you case, setting strict timetables for the exchange of documents, witness evidence and expert reports. If you do have to go to court, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.
  
  If you have any questions about the claims process, please contact us today on 0800 022 3321 for your free initial consultation.
- Meet The Experts
- Our military injury team have been helping service men and women claim against the MoD since 1987. The team includes several former military personnel, and includes:
  - Geraldine McCool, who was described as the “Military Master” by The Lawyer. Geraldine is secretary of The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group and heads our specialist military injury team.
  - Paul Harrington, who completed an operational tour in Northern Ireland as a Bomb Disposal Operator. Paul brings his expertise as a former Ammunition Technical Officer and specialises in claims involving equipment, weapons, munitions and training accidents.
  - Simon Harrington, who has over 15 years of experience bringing claims against the MoD. Simon specialises in cold injury claims, having helped hundreds of service personnel to claim over £10 million in compensation for their injuries.
  - Andrew Buckham, who served in the Army for seven years before joining Irwin Mitchell. Andrew specialises in claims relating to serious and fatal injuries. He is also a trustee for the Defence Medical Welfare Service
  Meet our military injury team.

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