£700,000 Compensation Awarded to Former Royal Marine

Former Royal Marine Awarded £700,000 for Hearing Loss

In March 2023, a former Royal Marine, Mr Barry, was awarded over £700,000 in compensation for hearing damage sustained during military training exercises and time spent on firing ranges. This landmark case highlights the potential for substantial compensation in similar circumstances.

Why was Mr Barry awarded such a high amount?

Mr Barry’s case was unique because of his age and career intentions. At just 25 years old, he began experiencing significant hearing loss, which ultimately forced him to leave the Marines. His plan had been to pursue a long-term career in the armed forces, and the hearing damage prevented him from achieving this goal.

The majority of his award was allocated for loss of earnings and pension. This reflects the difference between his potential lifetime earnings in the Marines and his actual earnings in civilian life, which were limited due to the constraints caused by his hearing impairment.

If you served in the armed forces and left primarily because of hearing loss, you might be entitled to a similar level of compensation.

How is future earnings potential determined? 

In cases like this, a specialist employment report is commissioned to assess the impact of the injury on long-term earning capacity. For Mr Barry, this detailed analysis was crucial in establishing the extent of his financial losses caused by leaving the military prematurely.

Why is an employment assessment report so important?

The case of Inglis v MOD demonstrates why evaluating future earning potential is vital. Like Mr Barry, Mr Inglis, another former Royal Marine, initially earned more after leaving the military by working in private security abroad. However, despite his higher short-term earnings, he was awarded over £250,000 for future loss of earnings. This was based on the employment report’s conclusion that his private security role was unsustainable long-term, particularly as he aged, and that his future income would be significantly lower compared to a career in the Marines.

These assessments are critical in determining accurate compensation for individuals whose career paths have been disrupted due to military injuries.

Is there potential for me to receive a similar award?

If your hearing loss was a major factor in leaving the military and has since limited your earning potential, there is a chance you could secure a similar level of compensation. To qualify, your military or medical records must document hearing loss as a primary reason for leaving the armed forces.

What if hearing loss wasn’t the reason for leaving?

Even if your hearing loss wasn’t the main factor behind leaving the military, you could still be eligible for significant compensation. The average settlement for our hearing loss claims is over £50,000.

Compensation typically includes:

General Damages: Compensation for the hearing loss itself, usually ranging from £10,000 to £30,000, with some awards reaching £70,000 for severe cases.

Special Damages: This can cover the cost of private hearing aids, ranging from £6,000 to £40,000 depending on your age and the anticipated need for replacements over your lifetime.

If you’ve experienced hearing loss due to your time in the armed forces, contact PDA Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle all cases on a strict no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. Let us help you explore your options and secure the compensation you deserve.