Mr Johnson was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the weaving industry for Smith & Nephew Medical Fabrics Ltd of North Valley Mill, North Valley Road, Colne, Lancashire. Mr Johnson was employed as a labourer and weaver and throughout his employment, he was exposed to the noise of weaving looms and knotting machines. Hearing protection was not provided until later in Mr Johnson’s employment, so spent considerable time working with these machines, without any hearing protection whatsoever.

Mr Johnson was also exposed to noise with Northern Wallcoverings Ltd of Skipton Road, Colne, Lancashire. He was employed as a packer and a printer’s assistant and exposed to the noise of printing machinery, throughout the duration of his shifts. Again, hearing protection was only provided later on his employment, not from the start, by which time, the damage to Mr Johnson’s hearing had already been done.

Mr Johnson 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 Johnson’s claim.

Some of Mr Johnson’s noise exposure could not be claimed for, as some of the insurers could not be traced, owing to the passage of time.

Despite this, WE Solicitors were able to negotiate an out of court settlement of £3,526.00 for Mr Johnson, avoiding the need for court proceedings.

Mr Johnson said ‘I am very happy with the service you have provided, especially from Natalie Howarth who handled my case.’