Hearing Loss Claims in Northern Ireland
Paschal O’Hare Personal are hearing loss and industrial deafness claims solicitors. For over 50 years, we have been helping people across Northern Ireland receive the hearing loss compensation they deserve.
If you suffer from noise induced hearing loss as a result of a loud work environment, you could be entitled to make a hearing loss claim. We have a dedicated team of experts who understand the law and can provide you with the guidance that you require.
Whether you’re in Belfast or anywhere else across Northern Ireland, contact our hearing loss and industrial deafness solicitors today.
Hearing Loss and Industrial Deafness Solicitors in Northern Ireland
Have you noticed your hearing deteriorate or ringing in your ears (tinnitus) after working in a loud environment? You may be suffering from industrial deafness.
If noise exceeds 80 decibels or higher, an employer should provide you with ear defence and make every possible effort to reduce excessive sounds. The Health and Safety Executive estimate that 2 million people are at risk of suffering from occupational deafness in the future due to noise levels at work.
In the past, many companies, being a product of their time, failed to provide employees with the means to protect their hearing. Fortunately, it is still possible to claim for compensation despite the lack of health & safety laws during times gone.
Your first step is to get in touch with Paschal O’Hare Personal Injury Solicitors. Our friendly solicitors working from multiple offices will take care of the hearing loss claims in Belfast, Glengormley and Carrickfergus for you.
What is Industrial Deafness or Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Industrial deafness, which can also be known as occupational deafness and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), is caused by the noise in the workplace and can lead to hearing loss. It may be temporary or, in some circumstances, it may lead to permanent hearing loss.
Consistent exposure over a period of time may lead to hearing loss, which may be temporary or in some circumstances it may lead to permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can begin with tinnitus, which is running in your ears. Often, symptoms do not emerge until years after exposure.
We are industrial deafness experts. If you have any questions about making a noise induced hearing loss claim, contact our solicitors today.
Jobs in Northern Ireland that could result in noise induced hearing loss
There are a multitude of noisy jobs in Northern Ireland that could lead to noise induced hearing loss. If your work environment has noise levels above 80 decibels, and your employer fails to provide you with adequate ear protection, you may suffer hearing loss. People at rise of NIHL include:
- Factory workers
- Construction workers
- Farm workers
- Airline workers
- Workers in the music or entertainment industry
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. If you suffer noise induced hearing loss and need to speak with a solicitor, contact us today or visit our offices in Belfast, Glengormley, and Carrickfergus.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is typically described as a ringing in the ears but it also can sound like hissing or buzzing. You might hear it in one or both ears. It can develop over time after an being exposed to a loud work environment. In these circumstances, the tinnitus is classed as noise-induced hearing loss.
What are symptoms of industrial deafness?
Have you worked in a loud environment and now find it difficult to understand when people are speaking to you? Perhaps you have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds? You may be suffering from industrial deafness.
Common symptoms of industrial deafness include:
- Reduction in Hearing
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
If you are displaying these symptoms, you should make sure to speak with a doctor.
The hearing claims process in Northern Ireland
The steps involved in making a hearing loss claim are typically as follows:
- Contact our solicitors if you’ve been diagnosed with noise induced hearing loss during the last three years.
- Our solicitors will begin gathering information including arranging a medical examination of you.
- We will advise you on the best course of action and any potential compensation you might be eligible for once all relevant evidence has been obtained.
- Then, in most cases, our solicitors negotiate a settlement with an insurance company.
- You receive compensation for your injuries.
Please feel free to contact our solicitors if you have any inquiries concerning the hearing loss claims process.
How long will my industrial deafness claim take?
The length of time your industrial deafness claim takes is dependent on the complexity of the injury. Our expert industrial deafness solicitors would send you to be examined by a physician to determine the extent of your injuries. After this, our hearing loss claims solicitors would be able to advise you on the length of time your claim would take.
How much hearing loss compensation could I receive?
The amount of hearing loss compensation you should receive is tied closely with the severity of the injury. Our website features a useful compensation calculator that provides some general guidance. It is always best to speak with one of our solicitors or visit our office in Belfast, Glengormley and Carrickfergus in order to get more information.
How to make a hearing loss claim in Belfast and Northern Ireland?
Speak with our hearing loss solicitors within 3 years of diagnoses in order to begin your hearing loss claim. We will take care of the entire process for you, whether you’re in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland.
We are one of the best reviewed hearing loss solicitors in Northern Ireland. Our solicitors have an impressive track record of success in dealing with claims for industrial deafness and noise induced hearing loss. Recently, we have fought and won cases that date as far back as the 1960s, despite the perceived complexities of this type of injury.
If you or someone you know suffers from hearing loss as a result of a loud work environment, contact our industrial deafness solicitors today. We are here to guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the noise induced hearing loss compensation you deserve.
Seymour Major
“We understand the difficulties associated with hearing loss. We are here to give you the support you need and ensure you get the hearing loss compensation that you deserve. ”
Case Studies
Oliver’s Nortel Hearing Loss Claim Settles for £22,500 (Monkstown)
Oliver worked for Nortel at the Monkstown Plant for around 4 years in the late 1990’s. He focused on logistics, packing items that had been
Albert’s hearing loss claim settles for £3,492 (Belfast)
Albert is a 91 year old retiree who worked hard his entire life. His career began in the military during WW2. Following his service he
Carol’s hearing loss claim settles for £5,000 (Newtownabbey)
Carol worked for Nortel Networks UK Ltd, formerly Standard Telephones and cables. Her role included the inspection of PC boards on the loud factory floor
Hearing Loss Claims in Belfast & Northern Ireland FAQs
A hearing loss personal injury claim may be brought by anyone who has suffered hearing loss due to the carelessness or wrongdoing of another.
After receiving a diagnosis of tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss, you have up to three years to make a hearing loss claim. Please note that you may be eligible for compensation even if the harm to your hearing was done many years ago.
Many people don’t appreciate that their hearing loss is caused by their employment. You should speak with one of our solicitors to explore this link and see whether you’re owed compensation.
Our expert solicitors are able to pursue historical claims where the employer or firm is no longer in operation. Through the resources available to us, we will be able to determine the relevant insurer. We have had 50 years of experience pursuing claims against these types of companies and we’re happy to walk you through the whole claims process.
You will need to present proof to support your hearing loss claim. This can will medical records. You can compile and present the essential evidence to support your claim with the assistance of one of our experienced solicitors.
It is important that you speak with a medical professional as soon as you start to see a decline in your hearing. The NHS takes hearing loss seriously and they’ll be able to accurately determine any damage you suffered. You should then speak with a personal injury solicitor to see the options available to you. At first instance, we will send you to have your hearing thoroughly tested by a medical professional.
No, you don’t need to use a hearing aid to make a hearing loss claim in Northern Ireland. Reach out to our solicitors if you have any questions. We will be able to guide you through the entire claims process.