You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

3rd December 2007

Union member from Kent secures £6,000 damages for noise induced hearing loss

Hearing Damaged at Work

Rail industry trade union RMT has secured compensation for a Kent member whose hearing was damaged while working at Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd. William Wilkinson, aged 59, from Ashford, Kent, claimed compensation because he was not supplied with hearing protection until after the damage was done.

His claim was handled by RMT law firm and leading personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.

Mr Wilkinson, who is still employed by Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd, secured £6,000 damages as a result of his exposure to excessive noise from 1989 to 2002. It was not until 2002 that he was supplied with hearing protection.

Will need Hearing Aids

William Wilkinson explains: “I have suffered a deterioration in my hearing as a result of my employment. I now have trouble hearing conversations with people. My wife is always telling me to turn the TV or the radio down as I have it at a higher volume. I’ve also been told that my hearing will deteriorate further with time and that in due course I will need the assistance of hearing aids.”

RMT general secretary Bob Crow comments: “Our members face many hazards in the course of their work. Noise is one where simple protective equipment can protect them from injury. Yet William Wilkinson is one of many rail workers to suffer hearing loss as a result of the failure of his employer to provide that protection. We would urge other members to come forward if they have experienced similar hearing problems as a result of noise at work.”

Representing William Wilkinson, Vincent Reynolds from Thompsons Solicitors explains: “Noise remains one of the most underestimated workplace risks. It is important that where someone believes that they may have sustained hearing damage at work that they seek legal advice as soon as possible. They will only have 3 years from the date of injury or the date that they reasonable knew, or ought to have known, of the injury to bring a claim. Time is therefore of the essence.”

Making a Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Industrial Deafness

If you or someone you know has developed occupational deafness or any other industrial illness, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim, including claims for occupational deafness. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim for occupational deafness in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your industrial deafness, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.