Carmen Gallardo
Some workers are fortunate to sit behind a desk in a relatively quiet office while others are exposed to constant noises that may affect hearing. Construction and machinery workers are quite vulnerable to hearing in the workplace because of exposure to loud noise. Unfortunately, and average of 25 percent of U.S. labor workers are exposed to loud noises at work that may cause partial or permanent hearing loss, and increase risks for cardiovascular disease.
Not every loud noise may affect hearing. Noises that exceed 90 decibels for eight hours or 100 decibels for two hours are the most hazardous. Some examples include the everyday use of a bulldozer and one-time explosions. Hearing loss not only will affect your health and work but also your relationships and lifestyle as a whole. Employees may collect workers’ comp for the following types of hearing loss:
Workers that experience hearing loss in more than 10 percent of both ears are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. But this can be a complex process without the help of an experienced Miami workers’ comp attorney. First, the employee has to submit a workers’ comp claim and then an adjuster will have the employee tested by an otolaryngologist to find out whether the employee has suffered hearing loss.
Unfortunately, workers’ comp adjusters aren’t looking out for your best interests so it might be best to seek legal advice from a solid law firm such as Gallardo lawyers. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you prove that the hearing damage is work-related and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Many workers are exposed daily to potentially hazardous noise levels in the workplace. Hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries, which can be avoided by the use of proper ear protection provided by the employer. Unfortunately, some employers don’t care enough to provide their employees with a safe workplace environment and once the hearing is gone, in many cases, is irreversible. In other words, occupational hearing loss is a serious problem that may cause long-term hearing impairment.
If you haven’t been impacted by it, chances are someone you know will, so it’s important to be proactive to reduce risk. Fortunately, excessive noise is the biggest compensable occupational hazard not only in the United States, but also in many other countries.
If you believe your hearing impairment came as a result of your work environment, you may have a case. Gallardo Lawyers has helped many locals gain their rights through legal representation. Our Miami workers’ comp attorneys are highly experienced at handling these types of cases and they have also recovered large awards and settlements for victims of workplace noise. Every case is unique and should be assessed by someone qualified. Call Gallardo Lawyers today to discuss your claim. The first consultation is free and confidential.
