Published on: 02 May 2025
Published by a LexisNexis PI & Clinical Negligence expert
Hearing loss among military personnel has plagued the Services for generations, with accounts of soldiers suffering auditory damage dating back to before the First World War. In recent times, there has been a pronounced surge in claims for hearing impairment brought by serving military personnel and Veterans. This rise coincided with publicity around the matrix agreement secured by Hugh James with the MoD regarding military deafness claims. Under that matrix agreement, all defences concerned with limitation and breach of duty are set aside, effectively neutralising those usual objections. This captures any contention that the hearing loss was sustained during combat (the Combat Immunity Defence), any assertion that the Overseas Operations Act 2021 prevents the claim, and any plea of contributory negligence. A frequently advanced defence by the MoD is that the claimant failed to wear the hearing protection issued to them. Although claimants often explain non‑use by saying the protection was unsuitable or did not function, the matrix agreement removes these disputes entirely, so questions about provision, suitability or performance of hearing protection do not arise...
When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
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