Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Hearing Loss in Georgia?

If you experience hearing impairment as a result of your work environment, you likely qualify for workers’ comp. However, you may face obstacles when pursuing a claim. After realizing you have sustained permanent hearing loss, you may worry about the impact on your career and future. 

That’s why it’s essential to see a doctor and consult with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the process of securing benefits. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta help Georgians facing such challenges across the state.

Early detection is the key to preventing further damage, and an experienced attorney can help you determine eligibility and pursue the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free case evaluation, or keep reading to learn more. 

What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss?

If you notice hearing loss after an accident, chemical exposure, or prolonged noise exposure at work, don’t ignore it. Visit your healthcare provider and submit a workers’ compensation claim for occupational hearing loss. 

Exposure to loud noise at work can gradually and painlessly cause hearing loss that may go unnoticed. However, there are important signs to watch out for.

Difficulty understanding conversations amid background noise is one of the most common indicators of hearing loss. You may also find yourself turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves more often. Ringing in the ears or sound sensitivity when it’s quiet can also signal hearing damage.

What Causes Occupational Hearing Loss?

Repeated exposure to dangerous noise levels at work frequently results in hearing loss. Both short, intense noise bursts and prolonged noise can lead to permanent damage over time. Ototoxic chemicals like solvents, metals, and certain medications also pose a risk.

High-Risk Industries

Jobs with the highest hearing loss rates tend to be in the following fields:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Transportation

Excessive Noise

Potentially damaging equipment includes hammer drills, chainsaws, and other noisy machinery. Using power tools day after day without proper hearing protection raises your chance of noise-induced hearing loss.

Excessive noise in the workplace is a problem if:

• You have ringing or humming in your ears after a shift.
• You must shout for nearby coworkers to be able to hear you.
• You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

Physical trauma to the head or eardrum can also cause irreversible damage. Events like an explosion blast, abrupt pressure changes, or a blow to the ear may result in immediate hearing loss.

What Does Georgia Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If you suffer a workplace injury or illness, Georgia workers’ compensation provides several important benefits, including:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation pays for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to your work injury, such as doctor visits, hospital bills, physical therapy, and medications. Georgia places no caps or limits on necessary medical care.
• Lost wages: Workers’ comp also provides partial wage replacement checks if you miss work due to your injury. This coverage pays you a portion of your lost income while you recover. While these payments are less than your full pay, they are not taxable.
• Disability benefits: If your injury results in permanent impairment that affects job performance, you may qualify for disability benefits.
• Death benefits: If a work-related accident proves fatal, the deceased worker’s family may pursue burial costs, dependents’ income, and other compensation.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Workers’ compensation benefits include job retraining if you cannot return to your previous position after an injury.

Whether you are experiencing hearing loss or have sustained some other workplace injury, don’t leave money on the table.

What Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Do for My Case?

Pursuing workers’ compensation after an on-the-job injury can be complicated. One of our attorneys can protect your rights and maximize your benefits.

In Georgia, strict deadlines apply. You must provide notice of injury to your employer within 30 days. While the first step is reporting the issue, at least verbally, your lawyer can ensure proper documentation is filed with the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation. This paperwork will include important details like how, when, and where the injury occurred.

Navigating the claims process and interacting with insurance adjusters can be an uphill battle without legal guidance. The insurer’s goal is to minimize your payout, not help you. With an attorney representing you, you can focus on other things besides your case. Your lawyer will handle all aspects of your claim, from evidence collection to settlement negotiations.

Contact our Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you believe hazardous workplace noise, chemical exposure, or an accident has caused your hearing loss, time is of the essence. Let us fight on your behalf to obtain the maximum workers’ comp benefits allowed under Georgia law.

We will aggressively pursue compensation for your medical treatment, hearing aids, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and other expenses you incurred. Don’t wait to get the medical and legal help you deserve. We handle workers’ compensation cases on contingency, so you pay us nothing unless we get you compensation.

Call or fill out the online contact form for a free case evaluation.