Industrial Deafness Claims
Occupations Causing Exposure
Occupations which could expose you to noise sufficient to cause industrial deafness:
- Machine operators
- Factory workers
- Construction workers
- Farmers
- Miners
- Truck drivers
Workers who suffer permanent hearing impairment and can achieve the thresholds set under the respective Acts, are able to claim lump sum compensation and the cost of medical treatment including hearing aids.
Symptoms of Industrial Deafness
The symptoms of a worker suffering from industrial deafness include but are not limited to:
- Difficulties hearing in open spaces, such as shopping centres;
- Difficulty talking on the telephone;
- Listening to the television on a higher volume.
Normally, workers who have to shout to communicate with their colleagues who are in close proximity is a clear indication that their employment has the tendencies, incidents, and/or characteristics which would, on the balance of probabilities, give rise to a real risk of boilermakers’ deafness, or deafness of a similar origin.
Types of industrial deafness compensation
A worker may be eligible for the following types of compensation, depending on their degree of industrial deafness:
- Lump sum compensation – which is calculated by reference to the level of hearing loss.
- Digital hearing aids – which are recommended by trained Audiologists taking into account the specific type of hearing loss and your personal circumstances.
Claiming for Industrial Deafness
The claims process can be very technical and tricky to navigate. The process involves and determining the causes of the hearing loss from the employment history and identifying the last noisy employer. The claim will also need to be supported by a specialist Doctor and we will arrange for your hearing to be tested by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.
Costs for Making a Claim
Because Industrial Deafness Claims are a workers compensation claim, many injured workers are entitled to have their legal costs funded by the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO). Once this funding is received, there are no costs payable by you.
Where funding is not available, we will act on a “No Win, No Fee” basis.
Choose Turner Freeman Lawyers, Australia’s Best Industrial Deafness Lawyers
Our team of industrial deafness lawyers can assist you in investigating and preparing your industrial deafness claim. Our personal injury lawyers are located around Australia with offices in.
Queensland – Brisbane, Logan, North Lakes, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns.
New South Wales – Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Newcastle, Campbelltown, Wollongong, Windsor, Gloucester, Norwest and Toronto.
South Australia – Adelaide and Whyalla.
Western Australia – Perth
Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Deafness
Can I claim for industrial hearing loss?
If your hearing has been impaired due to exposure of noise at work, you may have a compensation claim. Our industrial deafness lawyers can help you prepare a claim.
What is the fee policy in industrial deafness claims?
For personal injury claims in Australia we act for our clients on a ‘No Win-No Fee’ basis. So in other words unless we recover compensation for our client, we will not charge for our work. Be sure to ask one of our lawyers if you have any questions regarding our fee policy, as conditions do apply.
Contact us
Our NSW offices are in Sydney, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Newcastle, Penrith, Wollongong and Gloucester.
Our Queensland offices are in Brisbane, Logan, North Lakes, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns.
Our South Australian offices are in Adelaide CBD and Whyalla.
Our Western Australia office is in Perth.
Who is the industrial deafness claim against?
If you are still working in a noisy environment then you may be required to make your hearing impairment claim against your current employer.
Should you be retired or unemployed the claim is required to be made against your last noisy employer.
I have previously claimed for hearing loss. Can I claim again?
You can make another claim for industrial deafness compensation if:
- you continued to work in a noisy work environment after your last claim; and
- your hearing has deteriorated.
Turner Freeman can arrange for you to have a free hearing test to determine if your hearing loss has deteriorated since your last claim.
To make a further claim for lump sum compensation your further hearing loss sustained must satisfy the thresholds above.
How long will my industrial deafness claim take?
Each claim is unique. A claim may take approximately 6 to 12 months to finalise. Our expert lawyers will be in a better position to advise you of a time estimation after an initial consultation with you.
Are there any time limits on making a claim?
There are no time limitations to lodge your industrial deafness compensation claim.
How much can you claim for industrial hearing loss?
Each claim is unique and the amount of compensation can vary depending on a number of factors such as the severity of hearing loss and amount of pain and suffering.
How much will I be charged?
Before we commence investigations in hearing loss claims, we first apply to the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO) for funding for your claim. You will not be required to pay any legal costs or disbursements. “No Win No Fee“.
Exempt workers
- Fire fighters
- Police officers
- Paramedics
Claims for workers who are exempt are run differently. After an initial consultation with a lawyer at our office, should we be of the opinion you have reasonable prospects in succeeding in a noise induced hearing loss claim we will arrange for you to consult a WorkCover Accredited Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.
Upon receiving the Specialist’s report, we will be able to advise you of your entitlements.
A claim will be lodged on your last noisy employer. Should you be successful in your claim, your costs will be paid by the workers compensation insurer.