Mr Smith attended Accelerated Legal Services in Belfast for a free audiogram. For a number of years Mr Smith had noticed deterioration in his hearing which he had generally put down to his age. Mr Smith worked for his entire adult life as a dock worker in Belfast shipyard, being exposed to excessive levels of noise.

The audiogram test showed that Mr Smith had a level of industrial deafness which we were able to advise him on immediately. As a result of this initial diagnosis, Mr Smith was advised that he could take a claim against his former employers at Belfast shipyard. Mr Smith was concerned that, because he had noticed deterioration in his hearing over a number of years, he would not be within the normal 3 year time period to make a claim.

It was explained to Mr Smith that, whilst he had noticed general deterioration in his hearing over a number of years, it was understandable that he had always put this down to his age rather than the excessive levels of noise exposure at the Belfast shipyard. Unfortunately, at Mr Smith’s age this is a common mistake made by people. Many shipyard workers and other individuals do not realise that hearing loss as they get older, may not just be a natural deterioration, but that it has actually been caused by the negligence of their former employers.

ALS recommended Mr Smith to a solicitor who obtained his medical records and Inland Revenue Schedule, which lists all employers that Mr Smith had at the Belfast shipyard. This is particularly important considering that many shipyard workers were not employed by simply one employer but worked out of pens with numerous employers.

Six months later, Mr Smith’s claim is well underway and he can expect to be awarded £0000’s in compensation.

All those who have suffered industrial deafness are honest people who have worked hard all their lives in what were, by today’s standards, completely unacceptable conditions. It is a great feeling to know that you have helped them to be compensated for the conditions they were forced to work in.

If you have been exposed to excessive levels of noise, or indeed any other harmful substance, at any time during your working life, please contact us on 0800 1218330.

*(The names and facts of this article have been changed, but the issues raised are common to many people)