Is Hearing Loss Common Among Construction Workers?

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Every year, thousands of workers are injured on the job, and many of those injuries are permanently disabling. The CDC estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work every year. Ear damage can occur gradually over time or can happen suddenly. It can have a serious impact on a person’s life.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the partial or complete loss of hearing that occurs as a result of exposure to loud noise. Construction work can be particularly noisy, and that noise can lead to hearing loss. The louder the noise and the longer you are exposed to it, the greater the risk of NIHL. Symptoms of NIHL include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding speech, and feeling like you are always in a quiet place.

Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss

If you suffer from NIHL as a result of your job, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Workers’ Compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. In most instances, employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. It is a no-fault insurance system.

In order to collect benefits, you will need to file a claim with your employer’s insurance carrier. This usually has a short time limit, so make sure you act fast. Once the insurance company receives your claim, they will review it and may even deny it for lack of evidence, proper documentation, or any other reason they deem legitimate. If your employer denies your claim, you can appeal the decision.

What Benefits May Be Available?

When a worker gets injured or becomes ill as a result of their job, they may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. The specific benefits available can vary depending on the nature and severity of their injury, but there are several common types of benefits that workers may be able to receive:

• Medical treatment: Workers’ Compensation typically covers the cost of medical treatment related to the work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and other necessary treatments.
• Wage replacement: If an employee is unable to work because of their injury or illness, they may be eligible for wage replacement benefits. These benefits typically provide a portion of the worker’s regular wages while they are unable to work.
• Disability benefits: In some cases, a worker’s injury or illness may be severe enough to result in long-term disability. Workers’ Compensation may provide disability benefits to help cover living expenses and other costs associated with the disability.
• Rehabilitation services: If an injured worker needs rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy or vocational training, in order to return to work, workers’ Compensation may cover these costs.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Can Fight to Get You Benefits

Hearing loss, even partial, can seriously impact your life. For help with your claim, speak with our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Call us at 888-999-1962 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.