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Tinnitus Compensation Claims

Coping with a constant noise in your ears can dramatically affect your quality of life. The condition, known as tinnitus, often manifests itself as ringing, buzzing, whistling, or even roaring and can lead to distress, depression, insomnia and a myriad of other issues. If your tinnitus results from ongoing exposure to excessive noise, for example, in your workplace, or came on after an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to bring a tinnitus claim for compensation. 

If your tinnitus results from someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible to claim compensation.

Discover whether you can claim tinnitus compensation

Tinnitus can occur for many reasons, but if someone else was responsible for your injury, claiming compensation will hold them accountable and ensure you receive financial support.

To determine your eligibility, call 0800 234 6438 or fill in the online enquiry form to access free advice from a legal specialist. They’ll assess your injuries and connect you with a no win no fee solicitor if you have a strong case. 

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition that causes the sufferer to hear noises that don’t exist. Only the person experiencing tinnitus can hear it, and each sufferer’s experience is unique. 

Tinnitus can be constant or come and go, and each episode may vary in sound and volume. Examples of the types of phantom sounds tinnitus sufferers commonly report hearing include the following:

  • Ringing
  • Hissing
  • Buzzing
  • Whistling
  • Roaring

According to Tinnitus UK, 1.6 million people suffer from severe tinnitus, but over seven million individuals will experience it at some point. 

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, don’t suffer in silence. Whilst there is no known cure, your GP can signpost you to therapies, devices, and medication that may ease your symptoms.

What causes tinnitus?

There are numerous potential causes of tinnitus, but it usually occurs from a significant physical or mental change, such as being close to loud noises or dealing with the after-effects of an explosion. It’s not always a sign of negligence, but the most common tinnitus causes include:

  • Environmental Tinnitus: People who work in loud environments for long periods are more at risk of tinnitus. For example, working in a factory or military environment exposes you to loud noises more than an office worker.
  • Explosions/Extreme Noises: Tinnitus can also develop after a single loud noise, such as gunfire, bombs, items being dropped from a height and noises from attending a concert.
  • Injuries: Suffering a head or neck injury can also increase your risk of tinnitus, as these injuries can cause damage to the auditory nerve.
  • Psychological Tinnitus: Suffering an accident or trauma can result in tinnitus, and some studies conclusively prove a link between stress and auditory symptoms (NCBI).

Am I eligible to make a tinnitus compensation claim?

All personal injury claims depend on one key factor: whether negligence caused your injury. If you can prove that, you can claim compensation for tinnitus. Calling 0800 234 6438 for free advice from a legal specialist will help you determine your eligibility and get the ball rolling on your claim.

Let’s explore some common forms of negligence that might lead to tinnitus. Whilst virtually any job that involves exposure to loud noise carries a threat of causing tinnitus, workers in some industries are unsurprisingly at greater risk than others. 

They include the following:

  • Armed forces
  • Factory workers
  • Steelworkers
  • Farmers
  • Stone cutters
  • Those in the manufacturing industries.
  • Airport ground crew.
  • Those in the hospitality sector, such as nightclub workers. 

Tinnitus from noise exposure at work

One of the most common tinnitus claims is when the condition results from work-related exposure. As the Health and Safety Executive states, employers are responsible for providing their employees with PPE (personal protective equipment).

If they failed to offer protection and you developed tinnitus, you can make a claim. Similarly, if workplaces don’t soundproof the environment and you suffer tinnitus, you can file a noise-induced hearing loss claim.

Employers also have to provide their workforce with adequate rest breaks, and if there’s no quiet area to relax, you might be eligible for accident at work compensation (GOV.UK).

Road traffic accidents

All road users must act responsibly and take steps to avoid accidents. If you suffer injuries due to another driver, you can make a road traffic accident claim and receive compensation.

Tinnitus is a common complication of head and neck injuries, but you will have to prove the other party was responsible for the incident.

Loud music or other noises

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur when proper steps aren’t taken to protect you. If you were at a concert, nightclub, or pub and suffered tinnitus due to excessive noise, you could make a claim. However, these cases are complex to prove, as loud noises are expected in these settings.

Psychological damage

Tinnitus doesn’t always result from a direct injury because psychological damage can also cause the conditions. If you were the victim of medical negligence or developed tinnitus due to PTSD, it’s possible to claim compensation. However, you’ll need to prove that someone else was at fault.

Am I Eligible To Make A Tinnitus Compensation Claim?

Tinnitus compensation claims are based on the law of negligence and various acts of Parliament. Generally speaking, you will be eligible to make a tinnitus compensation claim in the following circumstances:

Your employer owed you a duty of care

All employers owe their employees a duty of care to keep them healthy and safe. This includes an obligation to protect you from excessive noise.

Your employer breached their duty

Your employer will have breached their duty of care if they failed to take the necessary steps to prevent you from developing tinnitus due to your job. The steps required will depend on the nature of your work but may include the following:

  • Providing you with effective ear defenders.
  • Noisy equipment should be placed away from areas in which employees sit.
  • Allowing you to take regular breaks in quiet areas.
  • Training you on using loud equipment and ear protection and ensuring you understand your entitlement to breaks. 
  • Using soundproof panels, machinery lining, and any other noise-reducing methods.

You suffered tinnitus as a result of your employer’s breach of duty

To succeed in your tinnitus compensation claim, you must demonstrate that your employer’s breach of duty directly caused your condition. If you had developed tinnitus regardless, your claim would have failed. Moreover, if you did not use the ear protection or follow your employer-provided training, you may face an uphill struggle convincing a Court that your employer is at fault. However, if you can show that your employer should bear some responsibility despite your own actions, your claim may be successful, although the Judge may reduce your compensation. 

Your personal injury solicitors will review your case and advise on your eligibility to make a tinnitus compensation claim.

Tinnitus claims process

If you want to make a tinnitus claim, seeking free legal advice will help you understand your rights. Calling 0800 234 6438 or using the online form gives you access to a specialist adviser who will examine your case and determine your eligibility.

They’ll then connect you with a solicitor who works on a no win no fee basis. These solicitors don’t charge any upfront fees, making them safer options than traditional lawyers as no financial risks are associated with claiming.

Putting your case together

Your solicitor will examine your case, including any available evidence, and assemble all the information. Proving negligence is integral to winning compensation, and receiving support from a specialist lawyer gives you the best chance of securing a financial award.

Calculating a compensation amount

When assessing your case, the solicitor will determine how much compensation you should receive based on the injuries and degree of negligence. While this figure is a ballpark amount, you go into the process knowing the amount of compensation your solicitor is aiming for.

Negotiating with the negligent party

Most compensation claims go through the negligent party’s insurance provider, and your solicitor will argue your case. The insurance company will want to see evidence and might request you attend a medical assessment to verify your injuries.

Settling your claim

Compensation claims rarely go to court, but your solicitor might advise against it if both parties can’t reach an agreement. Once your claim settles, the lawyer will deduct their fees from the compensation, and you’ll receive the rest of the money.

Gathering evidence to support a tinnitus compensation claim

Your solicitor will gather evidence to support the tinnitus claim, but it’s also useful for you to collect information that proves your injuries. The following forms of proof are highly beneficial in cementing your case:

  • Witnesses: Witness statements provide accurate accounts of the events leading to your injury. For example, if your workplace failed to perform regular risk assessments or someone witnessed a road traffic accident, these statements prove your case.
  • Visual Evidence: If you develop tinnitus from a car accident or loud noise, photographic evidence of the scene can help prove negligence. Videos of a workplace, including substandard PPE, are also valuable forms of evidence.
  • Accident Report Forms: Incidents at work or in a public place must go into an accident report book, which proves the time, date and circumstances surrounding your injuries.
  • Medical Reports: Medical evidence is essential for proving the extent of your injuries. Doctors’ reports and any treatment from a hearing specialist detail how tinnitus impacts your life and cements your case.
  • Expenses: Personal injury claims factor in the immediate and long-term expenses of your incident, so keep financial records of any travel expenses, medical costs, and earnings losses.

How much compensation could I receive from a tinnitus claim?

When making a tinnitus compensation claim, the money you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and how they impact your life. Personal injury claims have two categories: general and special damages.

General damages account for any pain and suffering caused by your tinnitus, while special damages factor in the ongoing expenses associated with the injury. Each case is different, but your solicitor will always try to secure the maximum compensation.

Using a compensation calculator can give you an idea of what you could receive, but speaking to an experienced solicitor will provide more clarity.

Average tinnitus compensation claim amounts

The following compensation amounts are based on other claims. Please be aware these are averages only, and you might not receive the same payment for your injuries.

Injury Type Compensation Amount
Minor tinnitus with no hearing loss Up to £7,010
Wrist injuries Between £7,360 and £14,900
Moderate tinnitus – with or without moderate hearing loss Between £14,900 and £29,710
Severe tinnitus and hearing loss Between £29,410 and £45,540

Make a no win no fee tinnitus compensation claim today

Nobody deserves to suffer from tinnitus, but you can receive financial support for your injuries and look forward to the future. Claiming compensation allows you to hold the negligent party responsible and recover any financial losses.

If you’d like to discover your eligibility, please seek free legal advice today by calling 0800 234 6438 or filling out the online form. A legal adviser will assess your case and connect you with a personal injury solicitor.

What are the time limits for making a tinnitus compensation claim?

As with most personal injury lawsuits, you have up to three years from your initial diagnosis to make a claim. Children who were injured before turning 18 can file for compensation up to three years after their 18th birthday.

We always recommend filing a claim quickly because the process can take a while and having plenty of time to settle means you can receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Why use a no win no fee solicitor?

A no win fee agreement is the best way to protect yourself financially and ensure you receive dedicated support throughout the compensation process. Traditional solicitors charge legal fees, typically based on an hourly rate, which means you’ll pay them to argue your case.

Even if you win, the costs associated with these lawyers often mean you don’t get to enjoy the compensation. No win, no fee claims come with no financial risk, as you don’t pay a thing unless your solicitor secures compensation.

Will I get fired for Tinnitus claim against my employer?

No, you won’t. There are laws in place to protect employees who make a tinnitus claim against their employer. Whether it’s mild or moderate tinnitus, you have every right to hold your employer responsible for any pain and suffering related to negligence in the workplace.

Other Important Information

*No Win No Fee

  • Although all our cases are handled on a no win no fee basis, other costs could be payable upon solicitors request. These will be fully explained to you before you proceed. Most customers will pay 25% (including VAT) of the compensation they are awarded to their law firm, although this may vary based on individual circumstances. Your solicitor may arrange for insurance to be in place for you to make sure your claim is risk free. Termination fees based on time spent may apply, or in situations such as: lack of cooperation or deliberately misleading our solicitors, or failing to go to any medical or expert examination, or court hearing.
  • *Criminal Injury Claims

  • If you want to make a claim for a criminal injury, you are not required to use the services of a claims management company to pursue the claim. You can submit your claim for free on your own behalf, directly to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (England, Wales, and Scotland) or the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland).
About the Author

Nicola Laver LLB

Nicola is a dual qualified journalist and non-practising solicitor. She is a legal journalist, editor and author with more than 20 years' experience writing about the law.

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