How long does a military hearing loss claim take? The answer is not necessarily clear cut as it depends on several factors, but understanding the claims process can help you plan and reduce stress.
Click here, call 0161 768 317, email info@prscully.com, or request a callback so that we, at PR Scully, can help with your military hearing loss claims.
Understanding military hearing loss claims
Military hearing loss claims are usually linked to prolonged noise exposure in environments such as training exercises, combat situations, or working with heavy machinery.
Many armed forces personnel were not always given appropriate hearing protection, which has led to thousands of hearing loss claims.
Can I Claim Compensation While Serving?
The short answer is yes!
A military hearing loss claim can be filed whether you are still serving or are one of many former members of the UK armed forces.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the facts around your hearing loss rather than your current position of employment.
You are very likely to be eligible if you have suffered hearing damage that affects your daily life, future employment, or even your mental health.
How long does the claims process take?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear-cut answer that we can provide to this question. The reason is that, like with any court case or compensation claim, the timeline for a military hearing loss claim can vary depending on whether you pursue:
- A claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- A civil claim against the Ministry of Defence
Here’s a look at the way the two different options may impact the timeline.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
The AFCS claims process is often quicker. In many cases:
- Initial decisions can take a few months
- More complex cases may take longer, especially where medical evidence is required
The reason the AFCS is quicker is that this scheme does not require you to prove the MOD’s negligence, only that the hearing loss was caused by your military service.
Civil claim against the Ministry of Defence
A civil claim can take longer, particularly in complex cases. Typical timelines:
- 6 to 18 months on average
- Longer if court proceedings are needed
A civil claim against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is likely to take longer, as you need to mount a case to show that they caused your hearing loss. This is no different to any other military injury claim.
What affects how long a claim takes?
There are several factors that can impact your military hearing loss claim process.
These factors include:
- Availability of medical evidence
- Obtaining medical assessment results
- Access to employment records and work history
- Whether you were medically discharged
- The complexity of your case
- Level of hearing damage
- Whether legal action proceeds to court
For example, if your hearing loss is very obvious and the military knows they caused it, then the chances are that we will have a quick result out of court. However, if any aspect of your case is disputed or fought against, the chances are more likely for a court hearing.
Time limits you need to know.
The time limit on how long you have to claim compensation is vital to your case.
The time limit for making a claim:
- Civil claims typically have a limitation period of three years
- AFCS claims have their own time limits, depending on when the injury was sustained
With the latter, it is very important to check for details.
If still unsure, you must immediately seek expert help.
For example, at PR Scully, we have helped hundreds of people, and it’s that kind of expertise that will prove pivotal with your military hearing loss claim.
How much compensation could you receive?
When you claim compensation, the amount you will receive is never clear until the evidence has been compiled. Most experts can only give you a ballpark figure based on past precedents once details are clearer.
The final amount depends on:
- Severity of hearing loss caused
- Impact on military service and daily life
- Whether you qualify for a military pension or a war pension
Some claims result in lump sum payments, while others may include ongoing support through armed forces compensation. Either way, if you have been impacted, there will be a chance for you to be compensated for it.
Legal fees and funding your claim
In the past, many individuals stayed away from fighting their case, even when it felt like they had a 100% chance of winning. The main reason was the fear of all the court fees.
Nowadays, most top law firms offer one of the three below:
- No-win no-fee agreements
- A success fee is taken from compensation
- Legal costs are covered under a fee-based agreement
Ultimately, these options all mean that you do not pay anything up front, resulting in minimal financial risk. When working with your legal representative, they will be able to clarify all of this for you.
Making a claim as a veteran
The legal system is here to ensure more of our veterans get taken care of for their service to our country. You no longer need to worry that making a claim could affect military service records or future employment. In reality:
- Claims are confidential
- They do not affect your military pension
- They are designed to support veterans
Organisations like the Royal British Legion are also available to support veterans through the process.
Military hearing loss claims are more common than many people realise. If you are one of many veterans who suffered hearing damage due to loud noise or inadequate hearing protection, you have the right to seek compensation.
Click here, call 0161 768 317, email info@prscully.com, or request a callback so that we, at PR Scully, can help with your military hearing loss claims.
Alternatively, you can click here, email info@prscully.com, or request a callback.