Vision and hearing loss are serious injuries that can significantly affect an employee’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. If you’ve experienced vision or hearing loss due to your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding the process and knowing your rights can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Vision and Hearing Loss in the Workplace
Various factors in the workplace can lead to vision or hearing loss. These injuries can be caused by a single traumatic event or by long-term exposure to harmful conditions. Common causes include:
- Exposure to loud noises: Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels in industries such as construction or manufacturing can lead to hearing loss.
- Chemical exposure: Harmful chemicals, such as cleaning agents or industrial solvents, can damage the eyes, leading to vision impairment or blindness.
- Head injuries: Trauma to the head from falls, machinery accidents, or other workplace incidents can result in vision or hearing loss.
- Bright lights or lasers: Working with welding equipment or other bright lights without proper protection can lead to vision damage.
If your job has caused or contributed to your vision or hearing loss, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Symptoms of Vision and Hearing Loss Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of vision or hearing loss early is critical to seeking timely medical treatment and documenting your injury for a workers’ compensation claim. Common symptoms include:
- Vision loss symptoms: Blurry vision, difficulty focusing, partial or complete blindness, and sensitivity to light.
- Hearing loss symptoms: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding speech, muffled hearing, or complete hearing loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Vision and Hearing Loss
If you’ve suffered vision or hearing loss due to your work environment, following the correct steps when filing a workers’ compensation claim is key to securing the benefits you deserve. Here are the necessary steps:
1. Report the Injury to Your Employer
As soon as you notice symptoms of vision or hearing loss, report the injury to your employer. It’s important to do this as soon as possible to meet workers’ compensation reporting deadlines. Be sure to document the details of how your job contributed to your condition.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor or specialist who can assess your vision or hearing loss and confirm that it is work-related. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and keep detailed records of your medical visits, diagnoses, and any prescribed treatments or procedures. This documentation will be crucial for your workers’ compensation claim.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once you’ve reported the injury and sought medical care, you will need to file a formal workers’ compensation claim. Include detailed information about your job conditions, how they contributed to your vision or hearing loss, and your medical documentation. Make sure to include any relevant evidence, such as witness statements or reports from safety inspectors.
Benefits Available for Vision and Hearing Loss Injuries
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to various workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Medical treatment: Workers’ compensation will cover the cost of necessary treatments for your injury, such as surgeries, hearing aids, glasses, or other therapies.
- Temporary disability benefits: If your vision or hearing loss prevents you from working temporarily, you may receive compensation for lost wages.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in a long-term or permanent impairment, you may be eligible for compensation based on the severity of the disability.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover retraining or rehabilitation to help you find suitable employment.
How PLBH Can Help with Your Vision or Hearing Loss Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for vision or hearing loss can be complex, especially when proving that the injury is work-related. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at PLBH can help you gather the necessary evidence, file the claim correctly, and represent your interests in any disputes with your employer or insurance company. Having legal support can greatly increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
It’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims for vision or hearing loss to be denied, particularly if the connection between the injury and your job is disputed. If your claim is denied, don’t give up. PLBH can help you appeal the decision, present additional evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact PLBH for Legal Assistance
If you’ve suffered from vision or hearing loss due to your job, the attorneys at PLBH are here to help you navigate the workers’ compensation process. Contact us today at (800) 435-7542 to schedule a consultation and get the support you need.