A workplace injury is something that nobody wants to experience. Not only can it impact you in the short-term, but it can have long-term consequences as well. When most people think of injuries in the workplace, they think of mishaps with tools, people falling off of ladders, or even vehicle accidents.
What many people overlook are some of the long-term injuries people can sustain that are not as readily visible. Specifically, many people do not think of hearing loss as a major workplace problem. Well, it is a problem and it needs to be examined.
At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we know that work injuries come in many forms and they are not always visible. When you need a San Diego hearing loss attorney, you can count on our team to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Hearing Is Damaged
Some people work in industries that have them around loud noises on a constant basis. While it may not seem like these loud noises are doing any damage right away, the damage over time can be tremendous.
The National Institute and Other Communication Disorders (NICDC) tell is that noise-induced hearing loss can be immediate or happen over a long period of time. This can make a workplace injury claim harder to prove.
Who is to say that other factors outside of the workplace did not cause your hearing loss?
Some of the causes of workplace hearing loss may surprise you, while others may be more obvious. Sounds that are at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. Let’s review some of them:
- Motorcycles (95 decibels)
- Noise from heavy traffic (85 decibels)
- Sirens (120 decibels)
- Firearms (150 decibels)
- Construction equipment (range of high decibels)
Signs of hearing loss may not become apparent until they are more pronounced. Over time, a person may begin to experience distorted or muffled sounds or find it difficult to understand what someone is saying to them.
Most workplace hearing loss incidents can be prevented by good business practices. Employers should always provide workers with the necessary protective equipment, especially when they are working around louder noises on a constant basis. If an employer fails to do so, even knowing full well that their workers are being exposed to noises that can be harmful, they should be held accountable and cover their workers’ medical expenses.
What Are Your Options?
We know that you did not want to have to battle to receive the compensation you need for work-related hearing loss. Unfortunately, many insurance companies may push back against this type of injury. If a workers’ compensation claim is denied for hearing loss, where do you turn?
At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we understand these kinds of workplace injuries and are ready to step up and help you get the compensation you deserve. When you need a San Diego hearing loss attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.