Reviewing Your Hearing Loss Claim
Once we have all the information we need, we’ll send you a letter to tell you if we are able to accept your claim.
We try to send this letter as soon as possible but it depends on how long it takes for us to get the medical information and other information we need. During this process, we’ll contact you if we need more information from you.
When Should You Make Your Claim
Its best to start your industrial deafness claim as soon as you can, because you normally only have three years to start legal proceedings. However, the reality is that hearing loss can take a long time to show. Because of this, the three-year period starts to run from the date of knowledge this is the date on which you first became aware that your hearing loss was caused by your job. Dont worry if youre not sure about the date of knowledge, because your solicitor will be able to talk you through it.
For advice, and to get the ball rolling, you can speak an adviser on 0800 234 6438, or submit your details using the claim form on this page.
When you submit your details, you’ll be in safe hands. Our partners are National Accident Helpline . They are the UK’s leading personal injury service. Their friendly legal services advisers will call you to talk about your claim and give you free, no-obligation advice. National Accident Law may pay us a marketing fee for our services.
If you win your case, your solicitor’s success fee will be taken from the compensation you are awarded – up to a maximum of 25%. Your solicitor will discuss any fees before starting your case.
Compensation Amounts For Hearing Loss
The amount of compensation you receive for industrial deafness will depend on how bad your hearing loss is, your prognosis and the impact its having on your life.
Under the formal Judicial College Guidelines on compensation amounts, for example, if youve suffered severe tinnitus or hearing loss, you could be compensated up to almost £43,000, while minor hearing loss and cases of occasional tinnitus may be worth around £11,800.
Youll also be able to claim compensation for any specific expenses that have been caused by your hearing loss, such as hearing aids, electronic devices and adapted telephones. Your solicitor will find out as much as possible so they can make sure youre fully covered for the expenses and impact hearing loss has had.
You can also try our compensation calculator which estimates the amount of compensation you might receive based on your answers to some simple questions.
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What Is The Average Settlement For Hearing Loss
Hearing loss claim amounts will vary from case to case. The amount of compensation you are awarded will depend on the extent of the hearing loss and the impact this has had on your life. You can rest assured that by making a claim with Unite Legal Services, our expert solicitors will fight to secure you the maximum compensation possible.
Learn how we helped David secure £13,500 in compensation after negligent exposure to noise.
We Offer A No Win No Feearrangement For Industrial Hearing Loss Compensation Claims
If the insurer accepts your claim but will only pay for medical expenses , we wont bill you. Only if you qualify for a lump sum payment will we send you a bill.
It may be necessary to get a medical report as part of the claim process, but ReturnToWorkSA will pay for this.
Our no win no fee arrangement gives you peace-of-mind that you can seek compensation without fear that youll be responsible for legal expenses if your claim is rejected.
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Compensation For Hearing Loss Guide How Much Can I Claim For Deafness How To Claim For Hearing Loss Calculate Amounts Payouts
Deafness compensation claims advice
Welcome to our guide to compensation for hearing loss. Deafness can be caused by a number of reasons such as being exposed to loud noises in the workplace, being exposed to a sudden loud noise, attending concerts, and of course old age among others. With the majority of on set deafness, deafness can be result of a combination of factors mixed in with age and no-one in particular is to blame, but sometimes deafness can be the result of someone elses negligence or mistake and therefore in such circumstances, the victim may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation for hearing loss.
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How Do We Pay The Non
We pay non-economic loss benefits as a lump sum or monthly payment depending on whether the benefit amount is under or over an established threshold, and in some cases, on the payment option selected by the person.
The non-economic loss benefit threshold is set annually. The threshold for each person is based on the year the person reaches maximum medical recovery. For a complete list of the non-economic loss benefit threshold amounts to date, see;Policy 18-01-02, Benefit Dollar Amounts – Accidents from 1998and;Policy 18-01-03, Benefit Dollar Amounts – Accidents before 1998.
If non-economic loss benefits are at or under the threshold, we automatically pay them as a lump sum. If non-economic loss benefits are over the threshold, we automatically pay them as a lump sum after 30 days unless you choose to have the benefit paid monthly. If you are eligible to choose a monthly non-economic loss benefit payable for life, you have 30 days from the date of the decision letter to decide the method of payment. Once the method of payment is decided, it cant be changed.
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Hearing Loss In The Workplace
losing the sense of hearing is a very common injury sustained in the workplace. Employees often work in environments surrounded by machinery and equipment that emit loud noises. Noise can cause hearing damage, particularly if the employer has not followed the regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .;
For example, OSHA states employees cannot be exposed to sound levels of 100 dBA for more than two hours. They also state employees cannot be exposed to sound levels of 90 dBA for more than eight hours a day. If an employer forced an employee to work in conditions that exposed them to those sound levels longer than the outlined time, it can result in issues such as tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , about 22 million people are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels at work, and another nine million are exposed to toxic chemicals that may result in degraded hearing.
We know that hearing loss is a huge problem in the United States, but we don’t know how many people are filing claims on it, said John Ratliff, of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s noise committee. He suspects a lot of employees with hearing impairments retire without filing a claim because they don’t know that they can.
How Compensation For An Industrial Deafness Claim Could Help
You might be feeling anxious about making a hearing loss claim, particularly against an employer. We will make the process as easy as possible for you by law, your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you differently for making a claim.
We can offer no win, no fee industrial deafness claims, which means you only pay legal fees if your case is successful. Compensation can help you to get the apology you deserve, and to cover any losses you may have faced.
For example, your hearing loss compensation may cover:
- Loss of earnings for time off work
- Loss of earnings due to changing job roles
- Medical bills and hearing aids
- Speech therapy or rehabilitative therapy.
We also understand that hearing loss can have a profound impact on your life. Our assessment will cover the psychological damage youve suffered, from losing your job to not being able to interact in social situations. You deserve to get back on your feet, and financial compensation can be the first step.
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How To Receive Va Hearing Aids
- You must first register at the health Administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice.
- The documents are needed at the time of the registration are-
- A copy of the Veterans DD214
- Drivers license
- In-person at any VA Medical Center or Clinic.
- Online by filling out the VA Form 10-10EZ.
- After registration,;you can schedule an appointment at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for an evaluation of your hearing.
- If Hearing Devices are recommended,;the hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries will all be at no charge to you, as long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.
How To Apply For Va Disability Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs recommends eligible Veterans apply for disability compensation benefits through the VA’s eBenefits online portal. However, Veterans may also apply by mail with VA Form 21-526EZ, in person at your regional benefits office, or with help from a trained professional.
In any case, you will need access to your DD214 , the medical evidence of the disability, and dependency records .
If you have yet to separate from service, you may still apply using the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program. To be eligible for the BDD, you must:
- Be on full-time active duty , and
- Have a known separation date, and
- Your separation date is in the next 90 to 180 days
If you have less than 90 days until separation, you may still file a fully developed or standard claim.
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Deafness And Hearing Loss Claims
Hearing loss can have a major impact on your life, affecting your ability to work and live a full lifestyle, as well as damaging your confidence and emotional wellbeing. If you or a loved one have suffered hearing loss as the result of medical negligence, claiming compensation may be able to go some way towards helping you or your loved one to deal with the consequences and to be able to move on.
These types of claims can be highly complicated, with a high standard of evidence required to secure compensation. It is therefore essential to have specialist legal representation from the outset to ensure no vital details are missed and allow the strongest possible case to be put together for you.
Wolferstans medical negligence solicitors have strong experience in hearing loss claims related to medical negligence, having secured substantial compensation for our clients over the years. We have the expertise to ensure every angle is explored and all the right evidence collected, giving you the best chance of a fair outcome.
We can also offer you the benefit of our exceptional skill in non-confrontational dispute resolution, meaning we will typically be able to resolve your claim without the need for court action. This not only allows you to avoid the stress of a court hearing, it is also usually a faster and less expensive way to achieve compensation.
Is Your Workplace Safe
Your employer should take the hearing conditions at the workplace seriously. Levels of safe noise and hearing conservation;programs;are determined by the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration . Along with risking employee injury, safety violations can be expensive for employers.;
Still, reporting can be uncomfortable. An employer may hang legally required OSHA signage in the office and have a Days Since Last Injury counter up, but still subtly discourage reporting. Do know that employers are legally prohibited from preventing workers from reporting injuries, and are eligible for citations for retaliatory actions, per OSHA.;
Employers are responsible for their employees safety, Dokianakis says.;
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What Can I Expect When I Visit An Audiologist
If you are experiencing trouble with your hearing, you may first visit your family medical provider who can refer you to a specialist known as an audiologist.
Audiologists specialize in hearing problems and disorders. In addition to treating problems with hearing, the audiologist may treat you for issues with your balance that can stem from problems in the inner ear.
If you have been referred to an audiologist, there are a few things you may wonder about the first visit and what to expect. Here are some things you should know:
Health History
Your audiologist will inquire about your past medical issues and your current hearing capabilities. It can be helpful to write down this information before attending your appointment so you are fully prepared to answer questions. You may need to ask family members for health histories you are not clear on to provide an accurate profile.
Evaluation
The audiologist will use an instrument called an otoscope to check inside the ear canals and the ear drum. A hearing test will then be administered to judge how well you can hear sounds at different levels.
Treatment
Once the audiologist has gained insight into your hearing situation, they will recommend further treatment based on testing results. Some patients may need to use a hearing aid to deal with their condition. Others may require further medical intervention to treat problems causing hearing loss which may necessitate a referral to an ENT.
Hearing Loss Claims Under Floridas Workers Compensation Law
Under Floridas Workers Compensation law specifically Chapter 440, Section 15 you may be eligible for temporary total, or temporary partial, disability compensation for work-related hearing loss. That means you could receive up to 66% of your average weekly wage for the duration of your disability.
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Get Help With Your Application
The staff at any VAC office, CAF Transition Centre or Service Canada office can assist you or call us at 1-866-522-2122. Service Officers with The Royal Canadian Legion or The War Amps of Canada can also assist you with your application, including helping you get all of the information you need to support your application. Their assistance is free of charge.
Could You Be Entitled To Compensation From Your Employer
If you are suffering from symptoms of hearing loss and believe the damage was caused by your job consider the following questions:
- Were you provided with equipment to protect your hearing?
- Were you warned of the risks of hearing damage?
- Did your employer offer you regular hearing checks?
- Was your works equipment checked on a regular basis?
- Were you allowed regular breaks way from your noisy work environment?
If the answer to these questions is no then you may have a case for compensation against your employer.
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Applying For Hearing Loss Benefits
To start your claim, we need you to submit an application for benefits and provide information about your employment history.
Please complete the following forms and send them to us in one package:
- Worker’s Authorization for Release of Personal Information form ;
- If available, copies of your prior hearing tests
Please fax or mail the documents, using the contact information on the forms.
How Express Solicitors Can Help With Your Industrial Deafness Claim
Our expert industrial deafness solicitors have dealt with hundreds of claims just like yours. We specialise in taking on the legal cases that other solicitors cannot, so we will leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting the biggest settlement possible.
We handle the majority of our hearing loss compensation claims on a no win, no fee basis, so you wont be financially liable when you enquire. Well help you to recover the cost of hearing aids and generally get your life back on track, as well as finding evidence to support your claim. Whatever your questions, we will answer them in a professional and sensitive manner. Contact us today to start your hearing loss claim and get the compensation you deserve.
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Who Qualifies For Compensation
You may qualify for an AFCS award if your hearing loss is a direct consequence of your duties in the armed forces. But it doesnt have to be caused by active service or combat. If it was caused by, for example, an injury sustained during a training exercise, or by an ear infection contracted as a result of service, you can still claim. You have seven years after the incident that caused your hearing loss to make a claim.
If your hearing loss is the result of service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005, your claim will be considered under the;War;Pensions;Scheme.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
If your deafness or hearing loss was caused by service in the armed forces you could be eligible for compensation, which could be a lump sum payment or a monthly payment.
If youre deaf or have hearing loss because of service in the armed forces, you may qualify for an;Armed;Forces;Compensation;Scheme; award.
The AFCS is run by;Veterans UK;on behalf of the Ministry of Defence . Its entirely separate from any other personal accident cover.
All current and former members of the UK armed forces, including reservists, can submit a claim for compensation for any illness or injury caused by service-related activity. You may also claim for conditions you had before service if you feel your service made them worse, but only after you have left the armed forces.
If you qualify for an AFCS award, the amount youll receive will depend on the severity of your injury or illness and the impact that it has on your life.
All payments are non-taxable and you dont need to have paid national insurance contributions to get them. Your level of income or savings doesnt affect your claim.
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Types Of Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Whether your hearing loss is minor or serious, it can still be very difficult to live with. Although hearing loss often doesnt appear until years after exposure to the loud noise, it can get worse with time. It can also start to emerge very slowly over the years.
The three main types of noise induced hearing loss are:
- Acoustic shock syndrome: this is either caused by a single loud noise like an explosion, or by continuous exposure to high-frequency sounds
- Tinnitus: ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds in the ears
- Occupational deafness: damage to the inner ear which leaves you either partially or completely deaf
References For Conductive Hearing Loss
Australia. Department of Veterans Affairs: medical research in relation to the Statement of Principles concerning Conductive Hearing Loss, which cites the following as references:
- Date modified:;
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Starting A Hearing Loss Compensation Claim
You might be worried about starting an industrial deafness claim, your injury lawyer will aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
The first step is to get in contact with a legal adviser for free on 0800 234 6438 to find out whether you can make a claim. Its important to take steps as soon as possible once you realise what caused your hearing loss.
After speaking with an adviser, you might decide youd like to go ahead with your claim. If you give them your permission, theyll find the right solicitor for your case and can put you in touch with them straight away.
Your solicitor will be able to do most of the work on your behalf, but theyll keep you in the loop throughout the process.
Compensation Claims For Acoustic Shock
Acoustic shock is when the ears are exposed to a sudden burst of noise at high intensity or high frequency which causes sudden damage to the hearing. In some cases acoustic shock occurs in the workplace with call centre staff being particularly at risk due to wearing head sets for long periods of time. Acoustic shock results in long lasting and significant damage to the ears due to the unexpected intense noise experienced causing muscle contractions in the ear which can then lead to tearing of the ears inner membrane. This can be extremely painful and very uncomfortable for the sufferer and have an on-going impact on their life. Some of the most common symptoms of acoustic shock include:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Ear pain.
- Face, neck and jaw pain.
- Hyperacusis This is a condition where the ear is more sensitive to certain sounds that it used to be able to tolerate resulting in discomfort and pain.
- Depression as a result of the injury.
- Unusual noises in the ear such as fluttering noise sensations.
- Distortion of hearing.
- Hearing sensitivity.
Acoustic shock doesnt just result in physical symptoms, but can also cause psychological injuries as well especially when symptoms are severe as these can impact heavily on normal daily life and also sometimes affect a persons working ability.
If you have been affected by acoustic shock and it was caused by negligence, you may have a valid cause to make a compensation claim.
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C&p Examinations For Hearing Loss
When you file a claim for hearing loss, VA will likely schedule you for a Compensation & Pension examination .; It is important for you to be open and honest about the extent to which your hearing loss is affecting you, how long it has been affecting you, and when you first noticed it.; Usually, the VA examiner will review your claims file, conduct the hearing loss tests for VA purposes, check a series of boxes that fit the description of your condition, and opine on whether your in-service incident is the cause of your hearing loss.
One thing to be aware of is if you are not claiming hearing loss until decades after service, the VA examiner might try to say that it has been too long for your hearing loss to be related to your service, and it is likely due to natural causes such as aging instead.
Please be aware that such reliance on the passage of time is not something that, on its own, can preclude the possibility that your hearing loss is due to your service.; If this is the case and you receive an unfavorable opinion, you have the right to submit evidence and argument rebutting the examiners conclusions.; For example, you can submit lay testimony as you are competent to describe your own symptomatology.; Family members can also submit lay testimony describing the need to speak loudly, constantly repeat things, or any other hearing-related issues that have witnessed you experience since service.