Are you a serving member of the Armed Forces or Ex-Armed Forces and have suffered damage to your hearing?  If so, you could be entitled to compensation.  You can claim even if you are still serving. You should not delay seeking legal advice if you suspect you have hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in one or both ears).

A number of signs may indicate you are suffering from hearing loss:

  • Your family members tell you the TV or radio is too loud.
  • You have difficulty hearing conversations in crowded rooms.
  • Having to ask others to repeat themselves.
  • Conversations sounding muffled.

You may also experience ringing in one or both ears which can be very intrusive and even keep you awake at night.  It can significantly affect your quality of life.

If you experience any of the above symptoms you may be suffering from noise-induced hearing loss.

The Ministry of Defence, like any other employer, is obliged to carry out a risk assessment of your working environment.  Where there is a risk of noise damage to your hearing then appropriate protective equipment must be provided to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest possible level.

Causes of Military Hearing Loss Claims

The nature of service in the Armed Forces can be incredibly noisy.  Here are a few examples of noise you may be exposed to:

  • Artillery/gunfire.
  • Aircraft/engine sounds.
  • Transportation vehicles.
  • Mortar bombs.

We know that Armed Forces Personnel are often told that they cannot claim compensation for injuries suffered in service.  This is not true.  If you become aware or suspect you have an injury, then you should seek legal advice immediately.  If there is to be any impact on your career as a result of your injury, then our specialist team of lawyers will ensure that you receive adequate compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Our military claim lawyers have the knowledge to advise you on whether the principle of “combat immunity” applies. This principle prevents service personnel from pursuing claims for compensation in active combat situations.  However, the principle does not apply where there has been a failure by the MOD to carry out a risk assessment and ensure there is a safe working environment with appropriate personal protective equipment.

We have access to medical experts who will be able to give an opinion from the outset of your claim as to whether it’s likely you can prove damage to your hearing as a result of noise just by looking at your audiograms.

Please contact our specialist military lawyers who can help you to pursue compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus if you have been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss and the MOD has failed to provide you with suitable hearing protection.

When to bring your military hearing loss claim

There are strict time limits for bringing personal injury claims; sufferers only have three years from the date of diagnosis to pursue a compensation claim.

The courts do have the discretion to extend this period but only in exceptional circumstances.

You can bring a claim while still serving. We would recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Starting your claim as soon as possible gives you the best chance of success.

What you can claim

As well as your physical injuries we will seek compensation for any mental trauma you may have sustained from the incident.  In addition, we will seek compensation for any treatment or rehabilitation you may need due to the injuries sustained.

You may find your career has been compromised or even ended because of the injuries. In such an instance, we would recover past as well as future lost income.

Start your military hearing loss claim today

To claim the compensation you deserve, get in touch with us today. Our military claims expert, Diane Askwith, can be contacted on 0113 224 7837. Alternatively, please email militaryclaims@isonharrison.co.uk.