Hearing loss claims solicitors

Hearing loss claim against multiple Defendants resolves in the sum of £9,062.50

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Boyd Rice Solicitors are regularly instructed by clients who have been exposed to excessive noise at work and as a result have developed noise induced hearing loss or tinnitus. In this case, our client had been employed by Robert Hair and Company Ltd in the 1980s, he subsequently joined Short Brothers as an airframe fitter and worked for them for over 10 years until finally joining Northern Ireland Railways/ Translink. During the course of his employment with all three, he was exposed to excessive noise and was not provided with ear protection at all times. Our client instructed that the hearing tests carried out at work confirmed that he had sustained loss of hearing and we were confident based on his initial instructions that he had a meritorious claim. He also instructed that he suffers from Tinnitus or ringing in the ears when lying in bed at night. He was able to tell us that he has to ask people to repeat themselves regularly and listens to the television at an elevated volume at home.

We instructed a Consultant Otolaryngologist to carry out an Audiogram (hearing test) and to discuss our client’s employment history with him. The Consultant was provided with a schedule of our client’s employers which we obtained from HMRC. The Consultant’s detailed report confirms that our client was suffering from mild sensorineural hearing loss and mild to moderate Tinnitus. The Consultant attributed 80% of his hearing loss to exposure during the course of his employment.

We issued Court proceedings on behalf of our client against the three aforementioned employers. Their respective insurance companies nominated Solicitors to defend the claims. The Defendants’ Solicitors agreed that our client should be medically examined by an expert of their choice. Their expert also prepared a report.  Both medical experts were largely in agreement however negotiations were taking too long and we asked the Court to list the case for Hearing. The case resolved shortly after without the need for our client to attend Court in the sum of £9062.50 and our client’s legal costs were divided between and paid by the Defendants’ insurance companies.

Following the successful conclusion of their claim our client commented as follows;

“After years of working in a noisy environment I had some hearing loss. So I contacted Neil Mc Granaghan at BoydRice solicitors, Newtownards, County Down. From the first phone call to the last conversation the service was absolutely first class and completely professionally handled. I would completely recommend BoydRice Solicitors for all your legal needs. Thank you Neil and all the team for sorting my claim and winning it for me.”                                                                                                  

If you suspect that your hearing as deteriorated from working in a noisy environment you could be entitled to compensation. We offer a free initial consultation. To book an appointment please contact us by phone on 02891 817715 or by email claims@boydricesolicitors.com

Property damage compensation solicitors

Claim relating to damage to hedge following road traffic accident settles for £420

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Boyd Rice Solicitors were instructed to act on behalf of Mrs C in respect of her claim relating to damage to her garden hedge following an accident involving two cars in Gilnahirk, Belfast. One of the cars, who happened to be the at fault party’s vehicle, ended up in our client’s garden hedge causing considerable damage. Boyd Rice Solicitors also act on behalf of the driver of the other vehicle (non fault party) who was injured in the accident.

Our initial advice to our client was to get a quote for remedial work to be carried out to the hedge in order to return it to the same condition as it was before the accident occurred. Our client obtained a very reasonable quote from Woodcroft Landscapes in Belfast and sent their invoice to us. The at fault driver’s insurer accepted liability at an early stage and engaged fully with Neil McGranaghan when presented with the invoice. They raised a cheque for the cost of remedial work to the hedge and also paid our client’s legal costs.

Following the successful conclusion of her claim our client commented as follows;

“My claim was handled with minimum fuss, and I was reimbursed quickly. The replacement hedge is already growing in.”                                                                                                       

Our property damage department regularly handle cases on behalf of clients whose property whether it be a garden hedge, wall or fence, has been damaged by a vehicle. There does not always have to have been an accident with another vehicle, very often a car, van or lorry can lose control and collide with property. For more substantial claims we instruct loss adjusters to prepare a report on the extent of the damage caused and the cost of remedial work. Our aim is always to recover the cost of repairing your property as quickly as possible. Please contact us at the earliest possible opportunity by phone on 02891 817715 or by email claims@boydricesolicitors.com

Road traffic accident on Newtownards Road settles for £3,250

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Boyd Rice Solicitors were instructed to act on behalf of Mr A in respect of his injury claim and a claim for damage to his vehicle. Our client was driving along the Newtownards Road towards Belfast. He had moved off from a set of traffic lights when the vehicle behind collided with the rear of his vehicle causing damage to the rear bumper and light fitting.

Mr A rang Neil McGranaghan right after the accident occurred. He was going to speak to his insurance company and instruct them to arrange repairs to his vehicle however we decided to keep the accident away from his own insurance company, meaning that his insurance would not be affected going forward. An assessment of his vehicle and repairs were arranged via NI Accident Management Ltd who would then instruct Neil to recover the cost of repairs and hire from the at fault driver’s insurer.

Our client developed pain in his neck, shoulders and back. He rang his GP who prescribed naproxen.

Our client’s vehicle was repaired quickly and he was provided with a replacement vehicle whilst his repairs were carried out. The cost of repairs and the hire vehicle were recovered from the at fault driver’s insurer. This meant that our client’s insurance premium was totally unaffected by the accident. In respect of his injuries, we arranged a medical examination which was carried out 3 months after the accident. The examining Consultant confirmed that our client sustained a soft tissue injury of his neck,mid thoracic area and lower back in the accident and despite having made good progress with recovery at that stage indicated that it would take him a further few months to recover fully.

Once Neil received the Consultant’s medical report, negotiations with the at fault driver’s insurer began and the injury claim was settled in the sum of £3,250. In addition our client’s legal costs were paid by the at fault driver’s insurer. The case took just over 6 months to bring to conclusion.

Following the successful conclusion of his claim our client commented as follows;

“Having contacted Boyd Rice Solicitors after my road traffic accident I received a prompt response from Neil providing clear and helpful advice. Despite being only a few days before Christmas, a high-quality courtesy car was arranged while repairs where being carried out on my vehicle. Acting on my behalf, Neil was successful in achieving a quick resolution which exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate in contacting Boyd Rice Solicitors in the future should the need arise.“                                                                                                

                                                                                   

 

This case highlights the importance of contacting us at the earliest possible opportunity following a road traffic accident. We regularly take calls from our clients at the scene of the accident. We can then guide you through the process and ensure your insurance premium is unaffected, if possible. If you would like advice, free of charge, please contact us by phone on 02891 817715 or by email claims@boydricesolicitors.com