Military Hearing Loss Claims

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

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.

Getting the support from Irwin Mitchell with my adapted house has given me the encouragement and independence I needed to get out there and find other things I am interested in."

Ray Lowrie

Client Story – RAF Reservist

"I am delighted that we have managed to recover such a substantial sum for our client in settlement of his claim.

"Whilst our client is still fortunate enough to be able to continue serving with the RAF, albeit with a permanent medical downgrade, many others are not so lucky.

“On many occasions I have acted for Claimants who have had their military careers cut short as a result of exposure to excessive levels of noise, many of whom then find it difficult to gain alternative employment in the civilian world." - Nick Woods

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is hearing damage through exposure to loud volumes, whether it's sudden due to a single exposure to an incredibly loud sound, or slowly caused by regular exposure to volumes that exceed safe limits.

There are a range of symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss, and sufferers may experience one or more of the following:

Total deafness
A general muffling of sound
Loss of a certain range of frequencies, particularly high pitches

As well as impairing your hearing and making it difficult to communicate with others, hearing loss has been shown to have an impact on the mental health of those who experience it. Tinnitus can also cause problems sleeping, with ringing in the ears particularly noticeable in quiet environments.

If you've experienced these symptoms after an exposure to high volumes as part of your work in the armed forces, and you weren't given adequate hearing protection, then you may be able to claim compensation.

If you're unsure whether or not you'll be able to make a claim, give us a call on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation, and we’ll offer expert advice on your options.

What Hearing Protection Should I Have Been Given?

Employers have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to protect their employees' hearing while at work – and the Ministry of Defence is no different.

As a member of the armed forces, you often have no choice in your working environment, and avoiding loud noises isn’t always possible. This makes it all the more vital for appropriate hearing protection to be provided to service personnel when needed.

The steps that should be taken to protect your hearing include:

Assessing the sources of noise and the risks they cause
Reducing volume levels as much as possible through noise control, such as sound absorption materials
Ensuring volumes don't regularly exceed 87dB, or go beyond peak levels of 140dB
Providing adequate hearing protection if requested, or if noise levels are above exposure limits
Identifying and signposting areas where hearing protection is needed
Making sure hearing protection is properly maintained

If you feel that you haven't been given adequate hearing protection in noisy environments, and that this has resulted in hearing loss or tinnitus, then you may be able to claim compensation. If you have any concerns or questions, call us on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation about your case.

Why Choose Irwin Mitchell For A Military Hearing Loss Claim?

Claiming compensation from any employer can be a daunting prospect - let alone pursuing a case against the Ministry of Defence - so it helps to have the experts on your side. We understand the concerns that you might have following an injury, with a number of our specialist military lawyers coming from service backgrounds themselves.

We have a proven track record in making compensation claims against the Ministry of Defence and its insurers. Our work in noise-induced hearing loss claims for both service personnel and civilians has resulted in a number of high-profile settlements, including:

£100,000 for artilleryman Robert Thornton who was medically discharged from the army after suffering immediate hearing loss because he was provided with inappropriate hearing protection during a training exercise.
£27,500 for officer cadet Storm Rae, who experienced severe hearing damage after being ordered to forfeit her hearing protection.
A five-figure settlement for an RAF reservist, who suffered a perforated ear drum, hearing loss, and permanent tinnitus when a flashbang grenade exploded six inches from his ear.

We pride ourselves on being a full service law firm, and offer ongoing support to our clients after a claim has ended, which is particularly important if your injury has resulted in the loss of your service career. We can help through a number of our personal legal services, providing support with:

Buying or selling a house
Divorce, children and family matters
Employment difficulties
Financial planning including tax and trusts
Wills, trust and probate services

If you have any questions or concerns about making a claim, and how we can help, call us today on 0800 022 3321 for a free initial consultation. We’ll discuss your case with you, and offer their expert advice on your options.

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We truly value and appreciate the feedback we receive from our clients, as we look to improve the services we offer on an ongoing basis.

Our Armed Forces Expertise

Since 1987, our specialist military injury team has helped hundreds of injured personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy to claim compensation. We are considered one of the top law firms in the country for military claims and several cases we were involved in were recently featured in the Chilcot Inquiry.

We work closely with a number of Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations, and are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. We're also proud supporters of:

The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group
Help For Heroes
SSAFA Forces Help

Several of our solicitors were part of team that recently won The Claims Innovation Award for Legal Service Team of the Year (2016) for their pro bono work within The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group (TRBLSG).

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