Hearing loss is one of the most common injuries suffered at the workplace. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), 22 million employees suffer from hearing loss annually as a result of working at their workplace in the U.S. You may be eligible to receive a workers’ compensation for your hearing loss if your workers’ compensation claim is successful.
Key factors that cause hearing loss at workplace
What you do for a living affects how likely it is that you may suffer permanent hearing loss on the job. It is possible for anyone to have hearing loss on the job. At your workplace, 3 key factors can lead to hearing loss. The most obvious cause is exposure to excessive loudness. Second, being exposed to substances that either cause direct ear damage or make you more sensitive to loud noises. Finally, hearing loss is another possible consequence of a head injury.
Workers’ compensation for hearing loss
According to the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Workers' Compensation Division, workers' compensation is available to those who suffer work-related hearing loss. Yet, claiming these benefits is not simple. The process of collecting these benefits can be greatly simplified with the assistance of an Oregon workers' compensation attorney.
In order for an injured worker to get compensation for work-related hearing loss, an Oregon requires specific information from the worker's treating physician. Such information includes:
A detailed explanation of what happened on the job that led to the employee's hearing loss.
Patient's medical background
Documentation of Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
A second medical opinion from someone trained in treating hearing impairments, detailing whether or not the patient's condition may improve with time or therapy.
Injuries to a worker's hearing that are considered compensable by the state will result in benefits being paid out to the worker. In assessing whether or not an employee is eligible for workers' compensation payments, any hearing loss that existed prior to the compensable accident will not be considered.
Types of workers’ compensation for hearing loss
Workers' compensation benefits cover a percentage of lost income and the cost of medical care until the injured worker reaches "maximum medical improvement," at which point they will not improve further regardless of any additional treatment.
If your workers' compensation claim is accepted, you will be entitled to payments that can be used to pay for hearing aids and any other treatments to help preserve your hearing. Income replacement benefits may be available if you are unable to work due to hearing loss. 2/3rd of your usual pre-injury salary, up to the maximum allowed by Oregon's law, is the standard amount for wage replacement benefits.
Have you suffered from hearing loss in the workplace? Contact Oregon workers compensation attorney Aldrich Law, LLc.