Hearing – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from hearing impairment as a result of an accident is between $15,927 – $223,021 [adjusted for 2023 inflation rates]. The general damage award amounts for each individual case below have not been adjusted for inflation. For your convenience, the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator can be accessed here.

As described in our General Damages Guide, these awards are only for general damages which compensate you for your pain and suffering. There are other types of damages that you may be entitled to claim, such as lost income and medical care costs, depending on the circumstances of your case. To assess the total value of your injury claim, try our Injury Claim Calculator or book a free consultation.

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The case law

Chaudhry v. John Doe, 2017 BCSC 1895

• The 44-year-old plaintiff was driving his taxi when he was involved in a hit-and-run collision. He suffered soft tissue injuries to his neck and back, headaches, tinnitus, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Prior to the collision, the plaintiff was suffering from some moderate hearing loss and tinnitus. He received $185,000 in general damages.

Kijowski v. Scott, 2015 BCSC 2335

• The 59-year-old plaintiff was injured in a rear-end motor vehicle collision. He suffered soft tissue injuries to his neck, chest, back, and shoulder, headaches, tinnitus, intermittent vertigo, hearing loss, and difficulties with balance, concentration, and memory. His dizziness and imbalance were deemed to be permanent. He received $140,000 in general damages.

Larocque c. Duguay, 2009 NBBR 171

• The 19-year-old plaintiff was struck by an all-terrain vehicle while riding his bicycle. He lost consciousness and regained it at the hospital. He was in intensive care for three days, having suffered cranial trauma, fractured orbital cavity, and shoulder abrasions. He suffered from dizziness and tinnitus for several months and still had partial deafness 8 years later at the time of trial. He received $18,000 in general damages.

Murphy v. Jagerhofer, 2009 BCSC 335

• The 36-year-old plaintiff was in a rear-end vehicle collision which resulted in a severe whiplash injury, hearing problems, tinnitus, dizziness, driving phobia, and headaches. His neck and back pain became chronic and he developed PTSD following the accident. He received $100,000 in general damages.

Francis v. Clarke; MacAskill v Clarke, 2007 NSSC 47

• The plaintiffs were injured when a deep fat fryer was moved at a restaurant and caused an explosion. One plaintiff (MacAskill) suffered permanent hearing loss in his left ear and temporary ringing in his right ear. He underwent surgery to correct his hearing however it was not successful. He received $35,000 in general damages.

Place v. Ali, 2007 CanLII 23598 (ON SC)

• The 23-year-old plaintiff was rear-ended while driving her car. She suffered whiplash, and injuries to her hip, lower back, and ear. She developed chronic pain in her neck, back, shoulder, and hip. She also suffered a permanent moderate loss of hearing. The impact of her injuries led to depression. She received $125,000 in general damages.

Anthony v. Robin Hood Multifoods Inc., 2001 CanLII 37602 (NL SC)

• The 55-year-old plaintiff was injured when a handcart fell onto his head. He lost consciousness briefly as a result. He was treated for a mild concussion, and continued to suffer from headaches, blurred vision, double vision, memory loss, and a burning sensation in the back of his head at the time of trial. He received $10,000 in general damages.

Gibbs v. Archibald, 1995 CanLII 4505 (NS SC)

• The plaintiff was injured in a motor vehicle collision and suffered a concussion, hearing loss in his left ear, and injuries to his neck, lower back, and knee. He received $31,500 in general damages.