Founded by Bridget Desmond in Claudy in 1885, Desmond’s was once one of Northern Ireland’s leading textile companies. The first Desmond’s factory opened in 1911 in Derry/Londonderry, and expanded across Northern Ireland with locations in Newbuildings, Irvinestown, Omagh, Swatragh, Dungiven, Springtown, Dungannon and Drumahoe.

Although the company entered liquidation in 2004, at its peak, Desmond’s employed nearly 3,500 workers across Northern Ireland — many of whom worked for years surrounded by industrial-grade textile machinery, known for producing high levels of noise.

Sub-par working conditions in many of Desmond’s factories have led to hearing loss and tinnitus for numerous former employees, who were expected to work in persistently noisy environments with inadequate protective equipment.

Each of these tools, without sufficient protective measures may have contributed to lasting hearing issues for many workers at Desmond’s:

• Sewing Machines – Continuous operation of industrial sewing machines produced a constant hum at high decibel levels, which can gradually damage hearing over time.
• Overlockers – Overlockers, used for stitching fabric edges, generated loud, repetitive noises, contributing significantly to noise-induced hearing loss.
• Grinders – The sharp, high-pitched sounds from grinders posed a severe risk for hearing damage, with intense noise bursts that could cause both hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Welders – Welders emitted high-frequency sounds and vibrations that contributed to lasting auditory damage, especially when used in close quarters.
• Generators – Running for long hours, generators emitted a low-frequency rumble that, over time, damaged the hearing of workers in close proximity.
• Air Compressors – Air compressors created loud, constant vibrations, increasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus for employees nearby.

If you worked at any of Desmond’s Factories in Northern Ireland and are suffering hearing loss or tinnitus due to prolonged exposure to loud machinery without adequate protection, you may be eligible to make a claim. Former employees are generally eligible if they can show that they:

• Worked in a high-noise environment at Desmond’s with limited ear protection.
• Are now experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.
• Have a medical diagnosis linking their condition to work at Desmond’s.

Claims usually need to be filed within three years from diagnosis, though exceptions may apply if your hearing issues were only recently linked to your work or if there are other extenuating circumstances. Contact our solicitors who can confirm your eligibility quickly and for free.

As Northern Ireland’s leading firm for hearing loss claims, we have a tried and tested process for bringing hearing loss claims against factories like Desmond’s Factories. Our solicitors will take the lead, to make sure your claim runs as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Start by contacting our team to discuss your experience and hearing issues from working at Desmond’s. Our solicitor will provide a free consultation to assess if you qualify for a claim.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We’ll then help you gather employment records, evidence of noise levels and safety measures used in Desmond’s factories. Our solicitor will guide you through this step, ensuring we have all necessary details to strengthen your case.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
Next, you’ll undergo a medical assessment to confirm that your hearing loss or tinnitus is linked to noise exposure at Desmond’s. Our solicitor will coordinate this assessment to support your claim.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Our solicitor will negotiate directly with Desmond’s representatives or insurers, working to secure fair compensation for the impact of your hearing loss. We aim to resolve the claim efficiently, without going to court.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once we reach a settlement, we’ll ensure your compensation is paid directly to you. Our solicitor manages the final details so that you receive your payment promptly.

Compensation for hearing loss claims against Desmond’s Factories in Northern Ireland is generally paid by the company’s insurers. The compensation amount considers the level of hearing damage, its impact on daily life and any associated costs, such as medical expenses or loss of earnings.

Compensation can be issued as a lump sum or through scheduled payments, depending on what best supports your situation and needs.

According to Northern Ireland guidelines, compensation can vary widely based on the severity of the hearing damage:

• Complete 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

For tinnitus specifically:

• Severe Tinnitus: £40,000 – £90,000
• Moderate Tinnitus: £20,000 – £40,000
• Mild Tinnitus: Up to £20,000