Mr Dickinson was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the textiles industry for a number of years. Mr Dickinson worked for J Butterworth & Sons Ltd, of Burnley Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale from 1971 to 1975 and was employed as a loomer knotter. During this time, Mr Dickinson was exposed to the noise of Picanol looms, the noise of which was so loud, that workers had to lip read and gesture to communicate. Mr Dickinson was never provided with hearing protection or noise awareness training, during this time.

Mr Dickinson also worked for Carrington Menswear Division Ltd (later becoming Carrington Viyella), which was based at Holmefield Mill in Barrowford, Nelson. He was employed as a loomer knotter once more from 1979 to 1996 and exposed to the noise of Sulzer, Draper, Saurer, Picanol and Router looms. He was not given any hearing protection until around the mid 1980’s and was never trained on the dangers of working in a noisy environment.

Mr Dickinson now suffers from mild noise induced hearing loss and mild noise related tinnitus, which was confirmed when WE Solicitors arranged a medical assessment of his hearing condition. This was presented to the defendants, as part of the evidence, to support Mr Dickinson’s claim.

Mr Dickinson’s case was not without complications.  Some of Mr Dickinson’s noise exposure could not be claimed for, as it took place prior to 1963, which is the date of guilty knowledge. Additionally, some of his periods of exposure were with companies that had dissolved and their former insurers were untraceable, after various searches were carried out unsuccessfully.

Despite this, WE Solicitors were able to negotiate an out of court settlement for Mr Dickinson, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Both Mr Dickinson and WE Solicitors are very pleased with the outcome.