Mrs A was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the weaving industry for a period of over 7 years. During this time, Mrs A was employed by Booth & Speak (Textiles) Ltd of Spring Mill, Earby, S Pickles & Sons Ltd of Barnoldswick, Wm Uttley Ltd of Glenfield Mill, Nelson and Walverden Mill Co Ltd of Brook Street, Nelson. Her employment with these companies fell variously between the years of 1965 and 1980.

During Mrs A’s employment within the textiles industry, she was employed as a weaver. She was based in the weaving sheds and exposed to the noise of Lancashire looms, for the duration of her shifts. Mrs A recalls that it was so noisy, in the weaving sheds, she would have to gesture or lip-read to communicate with her colleagues, at distances of only a few feet.

During Mrs A’s employment, she was never provided with hearing protection and nor was she ever made aware of the dangers that working in excessive noise gives rise to. It was an issue that Mrs A advises was simply never mentioned in those days.

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

Some of Mrs A’s noise exposure could not be claimed for, as the insurers of the now-dissolved Booth & Speak (Textiles) Ltd, were untraceable, for the period of her exposure.

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