Workers deserve a safe workplace, and when safety policies and protocols are not followed, serious injuries can leave workers with life-altering impacts. One of these serious injuries is hearing loss. A San Bernardino hearing loss injury lawyer could take a close look at your case to determine if your hearing loss may be the result of workplace negligence. If so, you may be entitled to a settlement under workers’ compensation or through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you were harmed due to negligence, contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorney today for a free consultation.
What Industries are Most Likely to Have Hearing Loss Injuries?
There are many industrial settings where hearing loss can be a serious risk. Construction, manufacturing, aviation, mining, and the entertainment industries are all prone to hearing loss injuries due to the nature of acoustics in these spaces. A San Bernardino hearing loss injury lawyer could help workers in these environments pursue compensation when their condition stems from prolonged exposure to hazardous noise.
This could include:
Continuous Noise
Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels over an extended period of time can result in hearing loss. This includes noise from machinery (like those in factories), motors (including those from airplanes), and HVAC systems.
Impulsive/Impact Noise
Short bursts of high-level sounds (those over 140 decibels) can cause damage even in very brief exposures. These include gunshots, hammering, pneumatic tools, and explosions.
Low-Frequency/Vibrational Noise
Low-frequency and vibrational noises are often overlooked because the results of the damage may be less obvious. However, long-term exposure to these kinds of noises can result in auditory fatigue and balance issues.
What Kind of Losses Result from Hearing Loss Injuries?
In legal terms, the harms that qualify for compensation in an injury case are known as losses. A wide range of losses may apply in a hearing loss injury case. A San Bernardino hearing loss injury lawyer can assess your circumstances and determine the full scope of available compensation. Recoverable losses often include medical expenses such as diagnostic tests, hearing aids or implants, required surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation. Lost wages from time missed during treatment and recovery also factor into a potential settlement.
If hearing loss forces early retirement or limits future career opportunities, compensation can include lost earning capacity. When the injury prevents a return to the same line of work, the injured person may also receive compensation for retraining in a new career path.
Although workers’ compensation typically excludes pain and suffering, a personal injury case may account for these losses.
What Does a Hearing Loss Injury Lawyer Do?
When looking at the details of a potential hearing loss case, a hearing loss lawyer in San Bernardino will seek evidence to establish responsibility for the hearing loss. Using regulations like those listed in the federal OSHA Standards or in the California Code of Regulations, CCR, Title 8, §5095–§5100, the lawyer will look for violations of safety standards. These might include failing to assess or monitor noise levels, not providing equipment for hearing protection, not enforcing the use of hearing protection, or inadequate training of employees.
This evidence supports a settlement demand that accounts for all losses related to the injury. If negotiations fail, the case can proceed to court, where a lawyer presents the evidence and advocates directly for their client.
Contact a San Bernardino Hearing Loss Injury Attorney for Help With Your Case
If you suspect that you have hearing loss from workplace exposure to dangerous noise, reach out for assistance. Our San Bernardino hearing loss injury lawyer will go over your case and help determine the next steps to get you the compensation you deserve and need.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our legal team evaluate your options for pursuing a claim, securing medical care, and recovering lost income.
(909) 885-1620