Hearing Damage

You don’t normally associate hearing loss or hearing damage with workplace injuries. We tend to think of back injuries and carpal tunnel when we think of workers’ comp and disability. We don’t really think about hearing damage. However, over twenty million people are exposed to potential hearing damage every year.

Just last year alone, over $1.5 million dollars were paid by companies as penalties for not complying with hearing safety rules and regulations. Furthermore, about $242 million is paid out every year in workers’ comp claims related to hearing damage.

Clearly, hearing damage is more common than most have thought. Sometimes this hearing damage is temporary and can be repaired with either treatment or time. Other times, the damage is more severe and more permanent.

Causes of Hearing Damage

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has outlined both prevention measures and standards when it comes to hearing injuries. Companies are required to meet and exceed these standards so that they provide their workers with a safe working environment.

Some of the specific regulations are targeted at companies and industries that traditionally present the greatest risk for hearing damages:

• Construction sites where heavy machinery and equipment is in operation
• Factories where machines cause loud and consistent noise
• Equipment and safety tools are necessary in these industries such as earplug, hard hats and noise reducers.

Even if a company complies with these OSHA standards, workers still get injuries. Sometimes hearing damage is the result of an accident while other times it is from repeated exposure to loud noise.

Compensation for Hearing Damage

You may seek workers’ compensation benefits for hearing damage. If this isn’t an option, you may even apply for temporary or permanent disability. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you through this process. They can help you decide what to do if your claims for benefits are denied.

There are times where you may have to file legal action to get compensation for your hearing damage. You could’ve had an injury as the result of an occupational accident or faulty equipment. If this is the case, you may have a claim against several parties:

• Company or organization
• Manufacturer of the equipment
• Company who performs calibration and maintenance on the equipment

Your attorney will be able to help you decide which parties you need to pursue.

Contact an Attorney in Boise, Idaho If You’ve Suffered Hearing Damage

As mentioned earlier, your hearing damage may be temporary. If this is the case, it is safe to say there is coverage by workers’ compensation or short-term disability. However, if it is long-term or permanent, workers’ comp is not an option for you.

You need to consult a local attorney in Boise to find out what your options are. If you’ve suffered hearing damage as a result of a workplace incident or accident, you need a professional by your side. There is simply too much at risk to handle this yourself.

The initial consultation is absolutely free. You have nothing to lose by meeting with a Boise injury attorney. They can answer any questions and concerns you may have.