BT deafness claims not affected by Supreme Court ruling
15 I 04 I 11
On 13th April
2011 the Supreme Court (formerly the House of Lords) gave their
decision on deafness claims made by workers in the wool industries
of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
In the case of Baker v
Quantum Group, it was ruled that average employers were not liable
for noise levels below 90 decibels before 1st January
1990.
Independent expert
engineering evidence confirms that this ruling will not affect BT
Engineers claiming compensation for hearing damage caused as a
result of using tone sets in order to carryout their routine work.
The noise levels from green and unmodified yellow tone sets are
well in excess of 90 decibels.
The Supreme Court also
decided that employers with above average knowledge, likely to
include British Telecom, would be liable for injury caused by noise
levels of above 85 decibels before 1st January 1990,
depending on what they knew. This could extend BT’s liability to
modified yellow tone sets, depending on noise levels emitted.
Kevin McCarthy, associate
at Hugh James and expert on BT hearing loss cases said:
“We are very pleased that
the ruling means BT engineers can continue to receive compensation.
We currently represent over 400 former and serving BT Engineers who
have suffered permanent hearing loss caused by exposure to
excessive levels of noise from the tone set equipment.”
Current and ex BT
Engineers are warned that strict time limits still apply to these
cases and are urged to seek advice now.
For further information
please contact our claims enquiry hotline on 029 2078 5971, contact
our legal experts Kathryn Singh (029 2022 4871) or Kevin McCarthy
(029 2078 5971)