Mr Barrett was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the textiles and haulage industries, variously between the years of 1975 and 1996.

When working in the textiles industry, Mr Barrett worked for John Bright & Brothers Ltd at their Oxford Mill on Whitworth Road in Rochdale and also at their Fieldhouse Mill, which was on Fieldhouse Road in Rochdale. This was during 1975 and 1977. Mr Barrett was employed as a labourer, working in the creeling and beaming departments and later as a tier in, in the weaving shed. During this employment, Mr Barrett was exposed to the noise of spinning machines, beaming machines and Northrop weaving looms. He advises he was never given any hearing protection or noise awareness training, during this time.

Mr Barrett then went on to work for G Barrett Haulage of Heywood, Lancashire. He worked there variously during the years 1978 to 1996. He was employed as an HGV driver and drove wagons such as the ERF A series wagon, the Bedford TK wagon, Atkinson Borderer wagons and a Guy Big J wagon. These were all old wagons, made with fibreglass panels and wooden frames and had no insulation for the cabins. Mr Barrett advises that if he was sat in the cabin with the engine running and the window open and needed to speak to someone stood next to him, he would have to shout. Again, he was not provided with any hearing protection or noise awareness training, during this employment.

Mr Barrett now suffers from noise induced hearing loss and associated noise related tinnitus, which was confirmed when WE Solicitors arranged a medical assessment of his hearing condition, with an Ear, Nose and Throat Expert. This was presented to the defendants, as part of the evidence, to support Mr Barrett’s claim.

Some of Mr Barrett’s noise exposure could not be claimed for, as the companies have dissolved and the full insurance history could not be traced. His damages will therefore be apportioned accordingly.

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