California Hearing Loss Work Injury Attorney

When people think of work-related injuries, they think of dislocated shoulders, cuts that require stitches, and other visible injuries. However, not all accidents lead to visible injuries. Hearing loss is a serious condition that doesn’t display any visible signs. Without preventive measures, employees can suffer severe damage to their hearing. Losing or damaging one of our senses can be a devastating and traumatic experience. Fortunately, California employees are eligible for workers’ comp for their hearing loss. While no amount of money can make up for the loss or trauma experienced from damaging or losing your hearing, workers’ comp benefits can help relieve some financial burdens to give you room to focus on other more important aspects of your life. 

Pursuing a workers’ comp claim for hearing loss can be complicated because it lacks the visibility of other injuries. At KCNS Law Group, our experienced California hearing loss lawyers can help gather the necessary evidence to prove the existence of your hearing loss and fight for your right to fair compensation. 

Three Types of Work-Related Hearing Loss in California

Work-related hearing loss can be categorized into three different types.

Traumatic Hearing Loss

This is hearing loss that is caused by a sudden traumatic event involving an extremely loud noise or direct injury to the ear.

Exposure to Loud Noises Over Time

People working in loud environments (construction, manufacturing, entertainment) are exposed to significant amounts of loud noise daily. That exposure can cause hearing loss, deafness, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 

Exposure to Ototoxic Substances 

Exposure to ototoxic substances (toxic chemicals) can damage the ear and lead to hearing loss. Common ototoxic substances include industrial solvents such as:

• Carbon disulfide 
• Ethylbenzene 
• Styrene 
• Toluene
• Trichloroethylene
• Xylene
• Mercury
• Carbon monoxide

Exposure to an ototoxic substance can cause substantial damage. In addition to the exposure to these chemicals, the damage can be exasperated if paired with excessive noise exposure.

How Getting California Workers’ Comp for Hearing Loss Works

To get workers’ comp for hearing loss, you first need to prove that you have sustained partial or total hearing loss. Typically this requires a medical examination by an ENT doctor or an audiometric test performed by an audiologist. These tests will determine the percentage of hearing loss you have suffered. Once it’s established that you have sustained hearing loss, you’ll need to prove that the loss is work-related. 

Linking your hearing loss to a work-related accident or condition can be challenging. Insurance companies don’t prioritize workers. Instead, they put their own profits at the forefront of claims. They will likely try to blame the loss on age, pre-existing conditions, hobbies, or other factors to remove their responsibility to compensate you. This is why it’s highly recommended that you work with a dedicated California hearing loss lawyer that has experience in hearing loss claims and can prioritize your needs and rights. 

California Workers’ Comp Benefits Available for Hearing Loss

Workers who sustain substantial or total hearing loss may be eligible for the following benefits:

Medical Care 

Workers’ comp covers hospital stays and other medical expenses necessary to identify and treat hearing loss. 

Rehabilitation Benefits

Rehabilitation benefits cover medical and therapeutic care necessary to help you cope with or recover from your hearing loss. They may also cover the care and training needed for you to regain the skills and abilities you require to return to work. 

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation benefits cover the cost of retraining programs or courses to help you qualify for a different job if the hearing loss prevents you from returning to work or if your employer cannot provide a modified position. 

Temporary Total Disability 

If your hearing loss prevents you from working but only for a limited time, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These payments will end when you recover or a doctor concludes you won’t recover any further.

Temporary Partial Disability

A temporary partial disability prevents you from doing your job for a limited time, but you are able to perform some job duties. 

Permanent Partial Disability 

This is when your injury involves some permanent damage and partially impairs your ability to work. While the disability is permanent, your inability to work typically isn’t. 

Permanent Total Disability 

Permanent total disability usually means the permanent damage you’ve suffered is so extensive that you are unable to return to work.

The Benefits of Working With a Work-Related Hearing Loss Attorney in California

Suffering hearing loss because of your work duties or working environment can be traumatic and have long-lasting consequences. This is why many workers who suffer hearing loss not only deserve their workers’ comp benefits, but need them to help relieve the financial burdens incurred because of their injury. Pursuing workers’ comp benefits for hearing loss can be complicated for many reasons, including that it can sometimes be difficult to prove that it’s work-related and because of its classification as a disability. 

A California work-related hearing injury lawyer has the resources and experience to prove that your hearing loss is linked to your work environment, duties, or a work-related accident. They can also establish the need for permanent disability benefits if you require them. Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging because their goal is to limit their payout regardless of the right to compensation, but a hearing loss work injury lawyer in California can take over those negotiations. They can fight for full and just compensation. A workers’ comp attorney has your best interest in mind and fights to achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances.

Speak With an Experienced California Hearing Loss Work Injury Attorney 

KCNS Law Group is a firm dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. Our team of dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers has handled numerous workers’ comp cases, including hearing loss cases. Hearing loss involves losing one of your five senses, which can be incredibly traumatic. 

At KCNS Law Group, we know that it can be difficult to deal with hearing loss and pursue compensation; that’s why our attorneys are proud to be able to provide you with exceptional legal representation. When you work with our firm, you can feel confident that you have someone in your corner fighting for you. Contact KCNS Law Group today by calling (818) 937-9255 or completing our contact form.