FAQs About Workers’ Compensation Claims for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Are you suffering from hearing loss as a result of working as a federal employee in a loud workplace? If so, our hearing loss attorneys may be able to help.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise at work each year. This noise level can lead to permanent hearing loss which can adversely affect your quality of life. You can lose the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, understand speech, and even communicate efficiently.
Loss of hearing as a result of consistent loud noises in the workplace is a large enough issue that OSHA created a Noise Standard which requires that employers reduce noise exposure through engineering controls, administrative controls, or Hearing Protection Devices. The program requires companies to enact a hearing conservation program when the noise level in the workplace exceeds 85 decibels over an eight-hour workday.
For those who have suffered hearing loss as a result of a working environment with hazardous noises, there is relief available.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Claim for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
To help you understand the process and figure out if you or a loved one is eligible to file a claim for noise-induced hearing loss, we have put together this short blog post to answer questions that our clients frequently ask.
What are the Signs of Potential Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
If you leave work and experience ringing or humming in your ears or temporary hearing loss, those are signs that you could have a more serious problem. While you are at work if you find yourself having to yell to be heard by your coworkers standing just a few feet away from you, that’s another sign that the noise level in your workplace can have adverse effects on your health and hearing.
These kinds of issues are not resolved with time. Hearing loss due to noise is usually permanent because the nerve endings in your inner ear are damaged with exposure to loud noise.
What Federal Industries Are Affected by Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss as a result of workplace noise is usually caused by working in confined spaces with pneumatic tools. These hazardous noise conditions can cause permanent hearing loss which has serious impacts on federal employee’s quality of life.
Some of the federal activities typically affected by hearing loss as a result of hazardous noise are:
- Shipyard workers
- Construction workers
- Aviation
Federal employees who work in abnormally loud environments and experience hearing loss should consider contacting an experienced hearing loss attorney.
What Kind of Compensation is Available for Federal Employees with Hearing Loss?
This applies to federal civil service employees both currently employed and retired. If you qualify, your compensation is based on your salary and your percentage of hearing loss. While the amount of compensation you can receive varies, there are limits. If you have a compensable loss in both ears, the maximum that you can receive is 200 weeks of compensation at 75% of your salary.
In addition to monetary compensation, your employer may also provide hearing aids at no cost to you.
What are the Steps Involved in Filing a Claim for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Filing a claim for noise-induced hearing loss requires that you make an appointment for an audiogram to measure your amount of hearing loss. In order to be eligible for compensation, you have to meet a certain threshold of hearing loss. Once you take that test, you will send your results to your hearing loss lawyer. From there, they will determine if you’re eligible. Next, they will begin the process to help you obtain your compensation.
As with most personal injury cases, when you work with Rosen Hagood, our fees are based on the compensation that you collect. We do not make money from your case unless you are compensated.
The only financial obligation you have is the cost of the audiogram appointment and test to determine your eligibility.
How Long Does It Take to File Claims for Work-Related Hearing Loss?
The process varies case by case, but from start to finish this process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
What States Does Rosen Hagood Serve for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims?
Our attorneys have decades of experience filing claims for work-related hearing loss. We started serving clients with noise-induced hearing loss in the 70s in Charleston, South Carolina, and have expanded to other states since then. Our practice began with people who worked at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Since then, we’ve worked with people who lost their hearing in Pearl Harbor, at military bases like Fort Liberty in North Carolina, federal employees in the Norfolk, Virginia and Kings Bay Georgia areas, and other locations across the United States.
While our firm is based in Charleston, South Carolina, we can help clients across the country with these federal hearing loss cases.
Contact us today to discuss your case.
