WE Solicitors have now obtained tens of thousands of pounds worth of compensation on behalf of former workers at the Wolverhampton Goodyear factory who are suffering with noise induced hearing loss.

The former workers were employed at the factory throughout the 1970’s and into the late 1990’s.  For many years they were exposed to high and dangerous levels of noise which has left them with deafness and in some cases tinnitus, which is a high frequency buzzing or whistling in the ears.

The noise in the factory was horrendous and people were forced to work without hearing protection well into the 1980’s.  This is despite the Health & Safety Executive providing guidance to all employers about the dangers of noise and the need to protect their workforce as long ago as 1963.

The investment of a few pounds by employers would have protected many workers hearing and they would not today be suffering with the evils of tinnitus and deafness they are forced to endure.

Compensation ranged from a few thousand pounds up to £6000 depending upon the severity of the condition and level of deafness.

Steven Evans the solicitor who dealt with many of the claims said ” these case have been hard caught by the insurers representing Goodyears and the compensation obtained on behalf of the 13 former employees is a victory in what is a real ‘David and Goliath’ story.  This is a huge multi national company who should have taken better measures in the early 1960’s to protect their employees from the harmful affects of noise.”

The company employed thousands of workers at it peak and many may still be unaware that they have noise damage or have not yet linked the damage they have suffered to their exposure to noise whilst at work.

Some cases are still ongoing and may be fought out in the courts in the next year or so.

Steven Evans stated ” We will continue to campaign and act on behalf of workers who have been exposed to horrendous levels of noise and strive to recover the compensation they deserve”.