At Lacey Solicitors in Belfast, we understand how frightening and frustrating hearing loss can be. From struggling to follow conversations to missing out on the everyday sounds of life, the impact can be huge. If your hearing loss was caused by noisy working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
This guide explains everything you need to know about hearing loss claims in Northern Ireland—from the legal process to how much compensation you could receive, and the next steps to take.
An Introduction to Hearing Loss Compensation Claims in Belfast
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) – often called industrial deafness – is sadly common across Northern Ireland. Many of our clients have spent years working in noisy environments such as shipyards, factories, or construction sites, only to later discover lasting damage to their hearing.
If your hearing loss wasn’t your fault, the law may entitle you to bring a claim.
How the Law Treats Hearing Loss Claims in Northern Ireland
The law in Northern Ireland protects people from unnecessary noise exposure:
- Occupational hearing loss (industrial deafness): Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2006) to keep their employees safe.
At Lacey Solicitors, we use these laws to hold negligent employers accountable for the harm caused to our clients.
Is There a Time Limit on Hearing Loss Claims?
In most personal injury cases, there is a three-year time limit to bring a claim. But hearing loss is gradual, this three-year period usually starts from the date you first became aware of your hearing problems or when you received a diagnosis, not the date of exposure itself.
This means that even if you worked in noisy jobs 20, 30 or even 40 years ago, you may still be entitled to compensation today.
That doesn’t mean you should wait. It is always better to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss a potential hearing loss claim.
What Compensation Could You Receive for Hearing Loss?
Every case is different, but compensation generally covers two main areas:
- General damages – for the pain, suffering, and disruption hearing loss has caused in your daily life.
- Special damages – for financial losses, including:
- The cost of private hearing aids
The amount you could receive depends on how severe your hearing loss is, how it affects your lifestyle, and the quality of the evidence presented. Our role is to fight for the maximum compensation available for our clients.
Eligibility to Bring a Hearing Loss Claim
To succeed with a hearing loss claim in Belfast, our clients need to show:
- Their hearing loss was caused by the workplace.
- The employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect them.
- That negligence directly resulted in hearing loss or tinnitus.
If you meet these conditions, you likely have a valid claim—and we can guide you through the next steps.
Next Steps to Begin a Hearing Loss Compensation Claim
When you contact Lacey Solicitors Belfast, here’s what you can expect:
- Free initial consultation – We listen to your story and advise whether you have a claim.
- Evidence gathering – We arrange medical reports and collect records to prove your case.
- Negotiation or court action – We handle everything with insurers or employers and represent you in court if necessary.
We’ve helped clients across Northern Ireland, including employees of Rolls Royce, Taylor Wimpey PLC, and Metro (NI) Limited, secure the compensation they deserve.
Call Lacey Solicitors today and speak to Roisin Cassidy who is the Solicitor in charge of Hearing Loss claims or alternatively use our Online Portal and we’ll arrange a call back.
