There is no exact definition of old age, but people know it happens when they lose their vision or hearing. But what if you aren’t old? If you are in your 40s or early 50s, that is not very old, and if you are starting to lose your vision and hearing, it may be related to something other than genetics. Are you or someone you love dealing with vision or hearing loss issues? Are you or someone you love having trouble with the decline of these faculties? Did you know that this could be a work-related injury?
Losing one of your senses will completely change your life. It can be overwhelming and debilitating to your health. If the conditions of your job caused you to lose your vision or hearing, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits.
To ensure you receive the proper compensation you deserve for your lasting injuries, you should always discuss your legal rights and choices with a Los Angeles vision and hearing loss attorney. The lawyers and JML Law, APLC know how to handle complex cases involving work-related disabilities and are here for you.
Common Causes Of Eye Injuries And Vision Loss
More than 50% of jobs today require some computer work. This trend is looking to increase to 77%. This means that most jobs will have to incorporate technology in some way. So, not only will we be consumed by the blue light of our phones, but we will also subjected to this harsh light at our job.
People sitting in front of computer screens for too long can have vision issues. Blue screens, harsh lighting, or too bright lights can harm your vision. It can decrease your ability to see and can decline your vision. This, in turn, can affect your work productivity and change your entire look.
Other vision issues can be related to exposure to chemicals or debris. If you are working in construction or mining, you know all too well what it is like to work in a cloud of dust. These tiny particles can get into your eye and cause injury, leading to loss of eyesight.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), roughly 2,000 workers in the U.S. sustain injuries to one or both eyes at work each day. Of these injuries, about 33% sought emergency medical care, and more than 5% resulted in more than one day of lost work.
In addition to the above main causes of vision loss or eye injury, the following are more examples of how vision can be impaired in the workplace:
- The eye is hit by sparks of flames.
- Direct eye trauma from tools, materials, or other objects.
- Eye penetration by staples, nails, or other sharp objects.
- Bright flashes of light or fire.
- Chemical burns.
Additionally, workers can contract harmful eye diseases and direct eye injuries. The possible ways to contract an eye disease are through blood droplets, dirty fingers, coughing, sneezing, and other similar eye contact.
Common Causes Of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss, as well as vision loss, is also a risk for those in the construction profession. Any job that requires you to be around loud noises for long periods can increase your chances of hearing loss. And, just like vision, even though there are some tremendous medical advances for hearing assistance, it is not your norm; therefore, it takes time to deal with these changes.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health continually reports that hearing loss is a severe problem for millions of people working in the United States. The following are estimated statistics regarding work-related hearing loss risks:
- 14% of occupational illness cases involved hearing loss.
- 82% of hearing loss cases were from the manufacturing industry.
- 23,000 people report work-related hearing issues each year.
- 4 million people have jobs that require them to be around excessive noise.
- 10 million people live with hearing loss due to excessive noise on the job.
- 22 million people are exposed to excessive noise at work at least once per year.
There are safety guidelines regarding ear protection in a specific work environment; despite these, companies still allow dangerous conditions that can contribute to or cause hearing damage. These include persistent high noise levels, isolated incidents (explosions), and even chemicals that can cause harm to an ear (ototoxic chemicals).
Hearing loss can be gradual or abrupt and can occur in varying degrees, including:
- Slight – Below 25 dB
- Mild – Below 40 dB
- Moderate – Below 55 dB
- Moderately severe – Below 70 dB
- Sever – Below 90 dB
- Profound – Excess of 91 dB
The recommended level of noise exposure at work is to not exceed 85 decibels (dB) for eight hours or more. Common examples in typical workplaces where this level can be exceeded include:
- Bulldozer- Operates at 88dB and can cause harm after 4 hours of use.
- Lawnmower- Operates at 94dB and can cause harm after one hour of use.
- Ambulance siren- Operates at 130 dB and can cause harm after 15 minutes.
Hearing loss claims can involve complex calculations and formulas to determine the amount of loss sustained. How much payment a victim receives depends on their hearing loss level and its effect on their life.
Contacting A Los Angeles Vision And Hearing Loss Attorney Today
Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and disabilities can be complex, especially in cases of vision or hearing loss. You should always contact an attorney who fully understands the claim process and how to file a lawsuit, when necessary, properly. If you are considering a claim, or even if you have already filed a claim and it has been denied, you should contact an experienced attorney.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys at JML Law, a Professional Law Corporation, don’t want you to feel alone during this process. Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated and nitpicky. They look for direct correlation, and insurance companies only want to pay for injuries directly connected to your job. If they can find a way to not pay for it, then they will. Unfortunately, insurance companies are just like any other business. They aren’t always looking out for people. Instead, they are looking for their bottom line. Do not feel at a loss. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have a successful track record without Los Angeles clients, and we are ready to be successful for you, too. Call 818-610-8800 or click here to start a conversation with us today.
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