For those who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about your background and your role at MLA?

I spent 31 years at Hugh James, where I worked as a lawyer before later becoming a Partner within the firm. Throughout my career, I developed extensive experience working within specialist claims sectors and supporting legal professionals handling complex cases.

At MLA, my role is focused on developing new opportunities across Industrial Disease, Military NIHL and Personal Injury, helping law firms access the specialist services and expertise they need to progress cases efficiently.

Having spent more than 20 years specialising in Industrial Disease claims, what first attracted you to this area of law?

Earlier in my career, I spent around 10 years working in criminal law, but an opportunity later arose to join the British Coal Litigation Department at Hugh James.

Coming from a mining community myself, this immediately resonated with me. It gave me the opportunity to represent local people and help them secure compensation they rightfully deserved after suffering the long-term impact of workplace exposure and industrial illness.

Why is it important that Military Noise Induced Hearing Loss continues to be recognised and understood today, particularly around Armed Forces Day?

There are tens of thousands of military personnel, many of them relatively young, who were negligently exposed to damaging levels of noise during service.

The impact of hearing loss can affect people far beyond their time in the Armed Forces, impacting both their personal lives and future employment opportunities.

It is incredibly important that awareness continues to grow around Military NIHL so that those affected understand their rights and can pursue compensation that helps support them with the long-term effects they continue to live with every day.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by veterans pursuing a Military NIHL claim?

One of the biggest challenges is simply awareness.

Many veterans do not realise that they may still have the right to pursue compensation for the impact hearing loss has had on their lives, even if they have previously received a War Pension or an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award.

There is often a misunderstanding that previous compensation arrangements prevent further legal action, when that is not always the case.

Why is specialist expertise so important when handling Military Claims?

Military Claims, particularly those involving Noise Induced Hearing Loss, often require a strong understanding of both the legal complexities involved and the specific circumstances surrounding military service.

Having specialist expertise available throughout the process helps ensure claims are handled correctly, evidence is properly assessed and individuals affected receive the support and compensation they deserve.

At MLA, we work closely with legal professionals nationwide, providing access to specialist expertise that helps keep these complex cases progressing efficiently. Click here to learn more.

As we mark Armed Forces Day, it remains an important reminder that support for those who have served extends far beyond recognition alone, ensuring veterans have access to the help and compensation they may be entitled to when facing the lasting impact of service-related injury.