Artillery Veteran — £45,000 Settlement
Disclaimer: This is an illustrative example based on a typical claim scenario. It does not represent a specific real client. Individual outcomes vary. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Background
This representative case involves a former Royal Artillery gunner who served for 14 years, including operational deployments. Throughout his service, he was regularly exposed to the firing of 105mm Light Guns and AS-90 self-propelled howitzers during training exercises and operations.
What Was the Noise Exposure?
Artillery fire produces impulse noise levels exceeding 180 decibels at the gun position. During a typical training exercise, a gun crew may fire dozens of rounds over several hours. Over a 14-year career, the cumulative exposure was substantial. The veteran reported that hearing protection was not consistently provided during his early years of service and that the protection provided in later years was often inadequate for the noise levels involved.
What Were the Symptoms?
After leaving the Army, the veteran noticed increasing difficulty following conversations, particularly in noisy environments. He also developed persistent bilateral tinnitus — a constant high-pitched ringing in both ears that was particularly troublesome at night, disrupting his sleep. An audiogram revealed a classic noise-induced pattern with significant notches at 4 kHz in both ears.
How Was the Claim Handled?
The claim was brought against the MOD on the basis that it failed to provide adequate hearing protection and failed to enforce its use during artillery training. Service records confirmed the veteran's postings and roles. Independent audiological evidence confirmed noise-induced hearing loss consistent with artillery noise exposure. The MOD initially disputed the claim but settled following disclosure of the evidence.
What Was the Outcome?
The claim settled for £45,000, comprising general damages for bilateral moderate noise-induced hearing loss with persistent tinnitus (assessed within the £18,180 to £36,260 JCG bracket, adjusted upward for the additional tinnitus element) and special damages for hearing aid costs and associated expenses.
Related Resources
Case Summary
- Branch
- British Army — Royal Artillery
- Condition
- Bilateral NIHL & Tinnitus
- Settlement
- £45,000