Workers Comp After Hearing Loss From Working
Losing your hearing means missing out on a lot of life events. Your child’s recitals, your favorite bands, and even the simple pleasure of hearing your spouse’s voice may be lost without your hearing .
Workers compensation laws in New York state provide compensation to you for your hearing loss if it is caused by work-related noise. The workers’ comp insurance company may argue that your condition cannot be compensated under the law, but an experienced attorney, Matthew Haicken, will give you better odds of winning benefits for your hearing loss. If you are suffering from hearing loss, call Haicken Law at 212-529-8326
In order to get benefits for your hearing loss from New York workers compensation laws, the connection between the noise and your hearing loss must be clear . To meet this standard of proof, a statement by a doctor or audiologist confirming that your hearing impairment is related to the noise at work is usually sufficient.
The hearing loss must also be severe — in most cases, more than 40 decibels (dB), according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. A hearing loss of 25 dB or greater may make it difficult to understand speech if you are facing the speaker directly, while a loss of 55 dB or more may make it impossible to understand speech in a noisy room. (Note: Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, so a half-decibel difference is actually a substantial change in sound.)
What Happens When Your Workers Comp Benefits Are Denied?
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, it can be difficult to understand the status of your claim when workers compensation denies your benefits .
In some cases, you can file an appeal in front of a judge to challenge the denial. If that doesn’t work, there may still be options available. Some doctors specialize in helping claimants appeal or reopen their cases. An attorney can also help you understand your rights, and find the best options to move forward with your case.
Talk To A Work Comp Lawyer About Hearing Loss
And Workers Compensation Claim
If you have lost your hearing, it is time to talk to a workers compensation attorney. The experienced New York workers comp law firm of Haicken Law can help you get the benefits that you deserve. In addition to fighting hard for your hearing loss claim, Matthew Haicken provides advice and support if you are experiencing problems getting your medications, scheduling doctors visits, or fighting to get your personal items from your employer.