There is no exact definition of old age, but people know it is happening when they start to lose their vision or hearing. But what if you aren’t really old? If you are in your 40’s or early 50’s; 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 know how to handle complex cases involving work-related disabilities and are here for you.
More than 50% of jobs today require some kind of 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 are we to be consumed by the blue light of our phones but we are also subjected to this harsh light at our job.
People who sit in front of computer screens for too long can suffer from vision issues. Blue screens, harsh lighting, or too bright of lights can be very harmful to your vision. It can decrease your ability to see and can decline your vision. This, in turn, can affect your work productivity as well as change your entire look.
Other vision issues can be related to exposure to chemicals or debris. If you are working in construction or mining then you know all too well about what it is like to work in a cloud of dust. These small particles can get into your eye and cause real injury which can lead to losing 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:
Additionally, workers can contract harmful eye diseases in addition to direct eye injuries. The possible ways to contract an eye disease are through blood droplets, dirty fingers, coughing, sneezing, and other similar eye contact.
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 of time can increase your chances of hearing loss. And, just like vision, even though there are some great medical advances for hearing assistance, it is not your norm and therefore it takes time to deal with these changes.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, continually reports that hearing loss is a serious problem for millions of people working in the United States. The following are estimated statistics regarding work-related hearing loss risks:
There are safety guidelines regarding ear protection in a certain 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 there are 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:
The recommended level of noise exposure at work is to not exceed 85 decibels (dB) for a period of eight hours or more. Common examples in typical workplaces where this level can be exceeded, include:
Hearing loss claims can involve complex calculations and formulas to determine the amount of hearing loss sustained. How much payment a victim received is based on their level of hearing loss and the effect it is having on their life.
Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses lost wages, and disabilities can be a complex process, especially in cases of vision or hearing loss. You should always contact an attorney who fully understands the claim process and how to properly file a lawsuit, when necessary. 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 that are 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.
Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you have been injured in a work-related accident,