Hearing Loss Injury Lawyers NY - Workers' Compensation Law Firm, OGA

Hearing loss from work-related activities will qualify the employee for workers' compensation benefits. Our lawyers can help clients fight against unfair employer claims and prevent delays from denials. Workers with legal help can also learn more about the benefits available receiving a claim approval.

Workers' Compensation Hearing Loss Injury Law Firm Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Serving Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

What is a Loss of Hearing Injury?

The loss of hearing can result from an injury to the ear or the head. Head trauma can rupture the eardrum, restrict blood flow, or cause additional damage that reduces or eliminates sound processing. In addition, exposure to unsafe sound levels can cause hearing loss or tinnitus. Tinnitus causes a ringing in the ears that can lessen the ability of people with the condition to hear clearly. It can also people experiencing to have anxiety or other emotional trauma.

There are different types of loss of hearing claims. First, there are occupational hearing loss type claims where an individual is exposed to loud noises for a long time. For example, this frequently affects workers exposed to loud machinery in factories and manufacturing plants. The second type of hearing loss would be due to trauma, such as an explosion or gunshot.

Who Qualifies for Benefits?

Hearing loss from work-related activities will qualify the employee for workers' compensation benefits. The worker should notify the employer of the problem as soon as possible and file a claim. A medical examination of the ear for a cause or to address any trauma must occur to reduce further damage. The injured worker will need to undergo a hearing assessment and other tests to determine the level of hearing loss or damage experienced.

Why is Having a Lawyer Important?

Employers may refuse to file a claim because they believe the employee experienced hearing loss when not at work. The employer or insurance company may dispute the claim if it is not timely filed. Any claim for an occupational type of hearing loss must be filed within two years from the date the claimant knew or should have known that they had a work-related injury. It is essential to consult with a workers' compensation lawyer when you learn you have a hearing loss. The Workers' Compensation Board may or may not deny a claim because of these accusations. A loss-of-hearing lawyer can help clients fight against unfair employer claims and prevent delays from denials. Workers with legal help can also learn more about the benefits available receiving a claim approval.

How Much are the Benefits?

Workers who experience hearing loss could qualify for additional coverage time for a partial disability. The loss of hearing also enables claimants to receive a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award for extra cash benefits over a specified number of weeks. The wage compensation and the amount of the SLU award can vary based on the worker's average weekly wage and the extent of the injury.

Workers' compensation recipients receive medical coverage for any treatments, therapy, or medical devices (including hearing aids) needed after the injury. An injured worker who suffers from tinnitus due to a work-related injury may be entitled to a permanent partial or permanent total disability award if they are unable to work due to that injury.

If the injured worker has a permanent schedule loss of use, they are entitled to benefits for a certain number of weeks, depending on the affected body part, less previously paid benefits. An injured worker does not have to have lost time in order to have an entitlement to a permanent schedule loss of use payment

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Permanent Client Testimonial for Hearing Loss

"Several years of constant loud noises at my workplace caused me to start hearing a loud ringing in my ears. It was impossible to hear anything or to even have a conversation without shouting. Nothing stopped it. My boss refused to believe it had anything to do with work. I called Ouimette, Goldstein & Andrews, and they helped me file a claim with workers' compensation. I am finally getting compensation pay and help with the problem."

-Barry H., Harlem, New York

Woman Consulting Workers' Compensation Hearing Loss Injury Law Firm Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Servings Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

Consult OGA Law Firm for Your Disability Healing Loss Claim

Workers' compensation protects many workers after an injury, but a better option is to make changes that prevent injuries. Too often, employers do not understand the risks of a noisy workplace or do not provide adequate protection despite their awareness of the risk.

Regular exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause damage. These levels can cause a gradual loss of hearing, making it difficult for workers to realize their workplace is the problem.

An estimated 22 million workers experience damaging sound levels at work, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The exposure happens at construction sites but also in factories, entertainment venues, and even in restaurants.

Preventing the problem requires education and safety protection. Employees should know how to identify early hearing loss, how to check sound levels, and know when to use appropriate protection. In addition, employers must find ways to prevent unnecessary exposure to excessive noise, reduce the exposure time when avoidance is not possible, and provide all employees with CSA-approved hearing protection.

Featured Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Loss of Hearing Attorney

Attorney Eva Panchyshyn has extensive experience in Workers' Compensation Law. She had been with the team since 2001. Eva has continued her work in those fields with us and has been an asset to many clients. Eva graduated from Albany Law School and is a member of the Injured Workers' Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Orange County Bar Association.

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Convenient Office Locations

As a leading Workers' Compensation loss of hearing law firm, we assist anyone with injuries from a work-related accident. Our lawyers assist clients with claims, hearings, and more. In addition, we can answer questions and offer suggestions about any issues relating to an at-work injury. We have offices in four locations throughout the state of New York.

88 Market Street in Poughkeepsie NY
843 Union Avenue in New Windsor NY
100 Crystal Run Road, Suite 112 in Middletown NY
2 Executive Boulevard, Suite 410 in Suffern NY

Contact OGA Law Hearing Loss Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation

The law firm of Ouimette, Goldstein & Andrews, LLP has defended the rights of injured workers for over 45 years. Everyone should have options when an injury prevents them from providing for themselves and their families. A Workers' Compensation loss of hearing attorney can help you with your claim after a work-related accident. We offer free consultations for new clients at all our locations. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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