Adrian Ward from Stoke on Trent has won a 5 year battle for compensation for noise induced hearing loss having worked in the ceramics industry for 20 years.

Mr Ward who worked for John Tams Group PLC, a major ceramics producer, was exposed to noise from a variety of sources including kilns, vibro mills and sirens.  Mr Ward worked 10 to 12 hour days in noisy conditions for almost 20 years.

The defendants attempted to argue that the factories in which he worked were simply not noisy and called evidence from former managers and engineers to prove their case.  The company which went into liquidation in 2006 no longer exists.

The company had a number of sites operating in the Stoke area including Royal Grafton Workls, Atlas, Sutherland and Monarch factories.  At the height of production John Tams were one of the largest producers of ceramic cups in the area.

The solicitors acting on behalf of Mr Ward, WE Solicitors LLP based in Manchester were aware that the defendants were running Mr Ward’s case as a test case as previous claims had been discontinued.  However it was clear from the start that Mr Ward was exposed to excessive and dangerous levels of noise which permanently damaged his hearing.

The case which run for 5 years and was listed for a 4 day trial in Stoke County Court at the end of April 2012 was settled at the last minute by the defendants for an undisclosed sum.

Steven Evans, the Solicitor representing Mr Ward was disappointed that the defendant’s insurers had decided to fight this case,.  ‘Mr Ward was a normal hard working man whose hearing has been damaged.  This could easily have been prevented by providing him with gearing protection.’

The defendants insurers are now consider that many other former employees will make similar claims.  If you worked at John Tams please call Steven Evans on Freephone 0800 294 3065.