Noise induced hearing loss solicitor sets out how to claim compensation if you have worked for United Utilities in water plants exposed to excessive noise from machinery such as emergency diesel generators, pneumatic drills, pumping station machinery and chlorination plant machinery
Industrial Deafness Victim Question
I worked in the water industry for 10 years in various sites across England working for United Utilities. I have worked in Cumbria, Manchester and Yorkshire.
I was exposed to extremely loud machinery noise day in day out without any form of hearing protection.
Water Plant Deafness Claim
The machines I was exposed to, included: emergency diesel generators, pneumatic drills, pumping station machinery and chlorination plant machinery.
Last month my wife came home with the kids and was disturbed that the TV was so loud. To me it seemed a normal volume.
I had already noticed I was having difficulties hearing what was being said in social situations with back ground noise, such as in pubs or family gathering. I have often looked at my mobile phone to realise that I had missed several calls – despite having the ringer volume on maximum.
I decided to see my GP – who referred me to hospital to have my hearing tested. I was told that I had hearing loss in both ears and I was asked about my previous employment work environments and noise levels.
I was told that it was likely I was suffering from noise induced hearing loss and I have a further appointment arranged to discuss the need for hearing aids.
I am concerned as I am only in my late 30’s.
Can I make a claim from United Utilities despite the fact that I finished work over 3 years ago?
Noise induced Hearing Loss Solicitor Response
You are exhibiting typical symptoms of noise induced hearing loss. The hearing test produced by the hospital on your behalf is plotted out into a graph, which is known as an audiogram.
When you are suffering from noise induced hearing loss, the audiogram has a very distinct shape showing a distinct step or drop in hearing levels at certain frequencies.
This hearing tested cannot be faked so is an accurate indicator of whether your hearing loss is due to noise or exclusively from the aging process.
You are quite young to be exhibiting symptoms of industrial deafness – this demonstrates that your hearing was badly damaged during your time working for United Utilities.
The fact that your noise exposure took place over three years ago will not debar a claim as you have three years from date of injury or knowledge of injury to make a claim. It seems that your knowledge only came just before you had your hearing tested and it is more likely that reasonable knowledge will be construed on the date you were given your hearing test results.
To show that United Utilities are responsible for paying you compensation for your injuries – it must be proved that the noise levels of the machinery you have listed (emergency diesel generators, pneumatic drills, pumping station machinery and chlorination plant machinery) was above safe levels known to cause injury at that time (the noise levels have dropped over time, but an employer can only be liable for the noise levels known to be a danger to hearing at the time you were in your employ).
It will also have to be shown that no hearing protection was provided (or the hearing protection provided was inadequate) and no warnings about the dangers of noise was given.
Finally a medically report from an independent consultant (here an Ear Nose and Throat consultant) would need to be produced analysing your audiogram to show the levels of hearing loss caused by noise – this will be used to determine the amount of compensation you can claim.
Industrial deafness solicitor – free legal help and assistance
If you would like to discuss your hearing loss and noise exposure with me in person free of charge or to commence an online claim for industrial deafness click United Utilities water plant worker noise induced hearing loss claim.
