Hearing Loss Claims Against FG Wilson & Caterpillar
Hearing Loss Claims Against FG Wilson & Caterpillar
If your work with FG Wilson, now Caterpillar, has led to hearing loss, you don’t have to face it alone. Our hearing loss solicitors are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
- Experienced in hearing loss claims against FG Wilson and Caterpillar.
- Specialists in industrial deafness and noise-induced hearing loss claims.
- Strong record of securing fair compensation for FG Wilson/Caterpillar workers.
- Offices in Belfast, Antrim, and Ballyclare.
- Free, no-obligation consultation to assess your claim.
FG Wilson (Caterpillar) Manufacturers, Northern Ireland
FG Wilson began operations in 1966 and grew to become Northern Ireland’s leading provider of generator sets, with sites in West Belfast, Monkstown, and Larne. In 1993, they expanded into a 70,000-square-metre facility in Larne to support their growth. After being acquired by Caterpillar in 1999, the company continued to thrive, employing thousands of people across its Northern Ireland locations.
Hearing Loss After Working for FG Wilson (Caterpillar)
While the relocation was positive news for the company, employees at the new Larne facility were often required to work in noisy conditions with insufficient protective equipment. As a result many workers were put at risk of developing conditions like “noise-induced hearing loss” (industrial hearing loss) and tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when prolonged exposure to high noise levels damages the sensitive structures in the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Tinnitus is a condition where individuals experience constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in their ears, often as a result of excessive noise exposure.
Specific examples of machinery and tools at FG Wilson/Caterpillar that can cause noise-induced hearing loss include:
- Riveters – The repetitive, high-impact noise from riveters can exceed safe decibel levels, causing long-term hearing damage.
- CNC Machines – These machines produce high-pitched noises during precision cutting and shaping, contributing to harmful noise exposure.
- Compressors – Industrial compressors emit a continuous loud hum, posing a risk to hearing without proper ear protection.
- Generators – As a key part of FG Wilson’s production, generators create constant loud noise during assembly and testing, exposing workers to harmful sound levels.
- Hammering – Regular hammering during assembly can produce sudden, intense bursts of noise, which can be damaging over time without adequate protection.
Making a Hearing Loss Claim Against FG Wilson (Caterpillar)
If you worked for FG Wilson or Caterpillar in Northern Ireland and experienced hearing loss from noisy conditions, you may be eligible to claim compensation. This includes current and former employees who lacked proper hearing protection during their time at the company.
Making a claim is important because it can help cover medical costs, lost earnings and the challenges of living with hearing loss. It also helps ensure safer conditions for other workers, by holding FG Wilson/Caterpillar accountable.
Generally, you have three years from the date of diagnosis or when you connected your hearing loss to your work. However, there can be exceptions, especially if symptoms took time to develop.
Even if you’re unsure or think you’ve missed the deadline, contact us for free advice. We can help you understand your options.
Hearing Loss Claims Process Against FG Wilson (Caterpillar)
Our process for making a hearing loss claim in Northern Ireland is straightforward and tailored for claims against employers like FG Wilson/Caterpillar. This means you’ll receive the support you need every step of the way.
Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Reach out to our team, and we’ll discuss the details of your hearing loss case. Our solicitors will provide initial advice and explain the process for pursuing a claim against FG Wilson/Caterpillar.
Step 2: Gathering Information
We will collect evidence, such as your employment records and details about noise exposure at FG Wilson/Caterpillar. Our solicitors will help gather the necessary documentation to build a strong case.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
You’ll attend a medical assessment to evaluate the extent of your hearing loss. Our team will arrange this for you and use the results to support your claim.
Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
We’ll negotiate with FG Wilson/Caterpillar’s insurers to seek fair compensation for your hearing loss. Our solicitors work to secure the best outcome without the need for a court appearance, if possible.
Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once a settlement is reached, you’ll receive your compensation directly. Our solicitors ensure that the payment is processed smoothly, so you get what you deserve as quickly as possible
FG Wilson (Caterpillar) Hearing Loss Compensation
Compensation for hearing loss claims against FG Wilson/Caterpillar in Northern Ireland is usually paid by their insurer rather than the employer directly. This means your claim won’t affect the day-to-day operations of the company, yet you’ll still receive a fair amount of compensation for your hearing loss.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors that will be assessed through medical assessments and supporting evidence. They include things like:
- The severity of your hearing loss, how it affects your ability to work.
- Any loss of earnings, both past and future.
- The impact on your quality of life, such as difficulties in communication or social interaction.
According to Northern Ireland guidelines, compensation for hearing loss varies as follows:
- Total Deafness: £250,000 – £350,000
- Total Loss of Hearing in One Ear: £50,000 – £100,000
- Severe Hearing Loss: £60,000 – £200,000
- Moderate Hearing Loss: £20,000 – £60,000
- Mild Hearing Loss: Up to £20,000
- Severe Tinnitus: £40,000 – £90,000
- Moderate Tinnitus: £20,000 – £40,000
- Mild Tinnitus: Up to £20,000
Compensation can be provided as a lump sum payment, which offers immediate access to the full amount awarded. Alternatively, in some cases, it might be structured into smaller, regular payments over time, particularly if the compensation is meant to cover ongoing medical expenses or loss of earnings.
Our solicitors will help you understand the options available and ensure you receive your compensation in the way that best suits your needs.
Why Choose Reid Black?
When choosing us for your hearing loss claim, you’ll benefit from our decades of experience helping hearing loss victims across Northern Ireland. We are one of Northern Ireland’s top firms for hearing loss claims, with a proven track record in representing former workers from this industry and securing maximum compensation through skilled negotiation.
Read our recent case studies to see how we’ve successfully helped others in similar situations — and how we can assist you too.
Mr D’s
Hearing Loss Claim
Against FG Wilson/Caterpillar
Mr F’s
Hearing Loss Claim
Against FG Wilson/Caterpillar
Our Specialist Hearing Loss Claim Solicitors
Our Specialist Hearing Loss Claim Solicitors
18 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- We have acted in more successful military hearing loss claims than anyone else in the United Kingdom.
- We take instructions for people throughout the UK if they have had at least one Northern Ireland tour after June 1987.
- No obligation discussion for any former MOD personnel on any issue they wish to discuss with us.
- You always get 100% of the compensation, we only seek our costs from the other side and take nothing from you.
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Seamus is a leader in the field of personal injury claims and recognised as such by the Chambers Guide.
- He assists for service personnel to make sure they are compensated for injuries in service.
- He can arrange an ENT specialist to assess your hearing and discuss if you have a case to bring on a no obligation basis.
6 YEARS EXPERIENCE
- Danielle specialises in industrial disease claims, with a focus on Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus claims.
- She can arrange an ENT specialist to assess your hearing and discuss if you have a case to bring on a no obligation basis.
- You receive 100% of the compensation awarded to you, we will not deduct any legal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re Here To Take Care Of Your Claim Against FG Wilson/Caterpillar
Get in touch with us today for free to start your hearing loss claim against FG Wilson/Caterpillar and take the first step towards the compensation you deserve.
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