As with any branch of the armed forces, serving in the Royal Air Force comes with risks.
RAF personnel frequently inhabit noisy environments during intense training exercises or active duty situations.
If the correct equipment has not been provided, there is potential for noise-induced hearing loss – NIHL.
As a result, RAF hearing loss claims are becoming increasingly common as more former members come forward to seek justice.
At PR Scully, we have helped numerous clients claim compensation for their suffering.
With a proven track record supporting RAF personnel with military hearing loss claims, we are proud to help out both active members and veterans claim what they rightfully deserve.
Click here, call 0161 768 317 or email info@prscully.com today to get the help you need immediately. Our lawyers will fight for you; it’s the least we can do!
What causes hearing loss in RAF personnel?
Some of the most common causes of hearing loss in RAF personnel are:
- Aircraft engines
- Excessive noise during active service
- Noisy environments with inadequate ear protection
These situations can lead to major issues for RAF military personnel, leading to medical discharge if extremely severe.
The sad part is that in many cases, hearing loss caused by noise exposure could have been prevented with proper protective equipment.
Can you make a hearing loss claim?
The question you may be asking yourself is whether or not you can make a hearing loss claim.
A very valid question!
You may be eligible to make a claim for hearing loss if:
- You suffered hearing damage during military service
- You were not given adequate hearing protection
- Your condition affects your daily life or mental health
Both current service personnel and veterans UK-wide can pursue hearing loss claims.
If you are unsure about your personal circumstances regarding your hearing loss, then please get in touch with us at PR Scully immediately. We will help you out and ensure you have clarity one way or another.
Types of RAF hearing loss claims
In essence, there are two ways in which military personnel can claim compensation.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
The AFCS claim is often the first route:
- Provides lump sum payments
- Does not require proving negligence
- Includes medical assessment
By going through the armed forces compensation scheme, you will give yourself the fastest resolution and the least stress. However, in cases where this is not possible, usually because your claim is being disputed, then you need to go through the civil courts.
Civil claim against the Ministry of Defence
A civil claim may be appropriate if:
- There was a proven failure in providing hearing protection
- Noise levels exceeded safe limits
- The injury sustained was preventable
Civil claims can result in higher compensation but may involve more detailed legal action.
This usually means that you will need to provide detailed medical records and clear proof of wrongdoing on the ministry’s part.
Although this can feel daunting, our experts at PR Scully will help you greatly, making it feel much more manageable.
How much compensation could you receive?
The final amount can depend on many factors, such as:
- Severity of military deafness claim
- Impact on work history and future employment
- Whether you were medically discharged
The worse your provable condition, the higher the amount. In many cases, we could look at past cases to give you a ballpark figure, but that’s exactly what it is, a ballpark figure.
The final compensation you receive can also be impacted by what is included in the amount you are awarded.
Compensation may include:
- Loss compensation payments
- Military pension adjustments
- War pension eligibility
With so many varying factors, it’s very difficult to look our clients in the eye and say, “This is what you will get”.
The RAF NIHL claims process explained
The military hearing loss claims process is quite straightforward, especially with the help of expert legal advice.
Your compensation claims process will require the following steps:
- Free consultation with expert legal advice: this is where our experts will hear your story and determine whether or not you have a chance of success. If everything works out, we will shake hands and move on to the next stage.
- Gathering medical evidence and employment records: these records are the basis from which we should be able to work. They will be important in determining the amount of compensation we can claim on your behalf.
- Medical assessment to confirm hearing loss: We need a doctor to confirm the level of hearing loss you’ve suffered, and how it will impact you in the future, etc.
- Submission of the claim
- Negotiation or court proceedings, if needed
Many law firms aim to keep the process stress-free, to ensure the military claims are handled in the best way possible.
Legal fees, funding options, and time limits are involved.
Most military injury claims are handled on a:
- No-win no-fee basis
- Fee agreement with a capped success fee
Ultimately, these options eliminate the financial risk for our military personnel and veterans who have suffered from symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss.
With the no-win-no-fee agreement, you can claim compensation with the peace of mind that it will cost you nothing up front.
Why are many veterans now making claims?
Many veterans are now making claims due to recent landmark legal rulings that challenged the conventional understanding of hearing loss in the military.
With new information and guidance, military personnel are realising that hearing loss is not just “part of the job” but something the Ministry of Defence (MOD) should have been better at preventing.
RAF hearing loss claims can provide vital financial support and recognition for those affected.
Whether through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or a civil claim, taking action can help improve your quality of life after leaving service.
Contact PR Scully today for a free consultation by calling 0161 768 317, clicking here, or emailing info@prscully.com to ensure your RAF hearing loss claim is taken seriously.