Tinnitus is a middle ear condition that can cause a cause a constant ringing or buzzing sound to be heard in the ears. Those affected can be severely debilitated by the condition and often feel isolated and depressed. Tinnitus can be caused by a number of things including earwax, middle ear infections and occasionally by a blow to the head.
This was exactly what happened to a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher. The gentleman was visiting a county fair when a strong gust of wind caused one of the stalls to collapse, causing one of the awning beams to strike him hard on the head.
An ambulance was called to the scene and the gentleman was taken to the local hospital. He was suffering from whiplash injuries from a blow to the head and soft tissue injuries, and immediately complained of hearing a constant ringing sound that was later diagnosed as permanent tinnitus.
When the gentleman came to see Bartletts expert personal injury solicitors in Chester, we started a full investigation into the incident. Our lawyer discovered that the awning had not been properly screwed down, and were able to establish that there was public liability insurance in place.
We successfully negotiated a settlement with the insurance company that provided the gentleman with compensation for tinnitus, allowing him to be referred to a specialist hearing and wellbeing centre and receive tinnitus masking treatments.
