MOD pays £95million compensation to thousands of soldiers who’ve suffered hearing loss on duty
ALMOST £95million has been paid in nine years to people suffering in military service.
Around 112 serving and ex-forces personnel per month receive Ministry of Defence settlements for noise-induced conditions.
Problems including deafness and tinnitus are often triggered by the sound of explosions, gunfire or engine noise.
Defence bosses have to pay out if they have failed to provide adequate ear protection.
Last year a number of driving the Army’s £5.5billion new Ajax light tanks.
MoD data obtained under Freedom of Information laws shows 10,338 have totalling £81.1million in nine years.
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In the same period, 1,790 won hearing-loss claims amounting to £13million under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
A typical deafness claim is settled for between £5,000 and £30,000 but some payouts have been around £1million.
Simon Ellis, of legal firm Hugh James, said there was “growing awareness that they can bring a civil claim for compensation.”
