Following the much publicised story printed in the Oldham advertiser in November 2007 a local man has won the right to win damages against the former paper giant Robert Fletcher & Sons who were based in Greenfield, Oldham.

WE solicitors who represented Mr Sinderby from Oldham said they had settled many of these cases over the last 4 years and sadly the insurers, AGF, who represented only a small proportion of the overall insurance history had taken the view that Mr Sinderby and a number of other former workers where out of time in which to bring a claim.

In Manchester High Court before HHJ Platts it was decided that Mr Sinderby was within time and his case could proceed. Following the hearing the solicitors representing AGF made settlement offers for an undisclosed sum, which Mr Sinderby has accepted.

This marks the end of a 3-year battle on behalf of Mr Sinderby who the judge praised in the witness box commenting on how reliable and genuine he appeared.

Steven Evans the solicitor representing Mr Sinderby said ‘the result was hugely satisfying for both the firm and Mr Sinderby. This was a genuine client who has suffered hearing damage whilst working in an extremely noisy environment, which in this day and age would simply not be condoned. There are still many former workers who have yet to realise their hearing is damaged and put their hearing problems down to age or wax. ‘

The case may mean that the insurers for Robert Fletchers & Sons may have to rethink their strategy of making technical arguments simply to try and escape their responsibilities. Other cases are still pending.