Workplace injuries can take many forms, but vision and hearing loss are among the most serious and life-altering conditions employees can experience. Whether caused by loud noise exposure, hazardous chemicals, or physical trauma, these injuries can permanently impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.
If your vision or hearing loss was caused by workplace conditions, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term disability. At PLBH, we help injured employees fight for the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Workplace Vision and Hearing Loss
Employees in various industries face risks that can lead to partial or complete loss of sight or hearing. Some of the most common causes include:
Vision Loss
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes – Industrial workers, cleaners, and lab employees may suffer eye damage from hazardous substances.
- Flying debris or particles – Construction, factory, and warehouse workers are at risk of eye injuries from sawdust, metal fragments, and other materials.
- Laser and radiation exposure – Healthcare workers and welders may suffer retinal damage from prolonged exposure to lasers and radiation.
- Blunt force trauma – Head or eye injuries from falling objects, machinery accidents, or explosions can lead to permanent vision impairment.
Hearing Loss
- Loud noise exposure – Employees in construction, manufacturing, and transportation may suffer from long-term hearing damage due to excessive noise.
- Sudden explosions or high-decibel sounds – Unexpected loud noises can cause immediate, irreversible hearing loss.
- Ototoxic chemicals – Certain chemicals, such as solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals, can damage the inner ear and lead to hearing impairment.
If you have experienced vision or hearing loss on the job, you have legal options to pursue compensation.
Steps to Secure Compensation for Workplace Vision or Hearing Loss
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first step after experiencing eye or ear damage is to get a comprehensive medical evaluation. A doctor can:
- Diagnose the severity of your condition
- Determine whether the injury is work-related
- Recommend necessary treatments, surgeries, or assistive devices (glasses, hearing aids, etc.)
Be sure to follow all treatment recommendations, as failing to do so can harm your workers’ compensation claim.
2. Report the Injury to Your Employer
Workers’ compensation laws require injured employees to report workplace injuries within a certain timeframe. If you delay reporting your condition, your employer’s insurance company may deny your claim.
- Provide written documentation of your symptoms, when they started, and how they are related to your job.
- Request a copy of the incident report for your records.
- If your employer refuses to document your injury, consult an attorney immediately.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is essential to receive medical benefits and wage replacement. The claim process includes:
- Submitting a DWC-1 form to your employer.
- Attending medical evaluations to determine how your injury impacts your ability to work.
- Providing medical records and documentation of your vision or hearing impairment.
If your claim is delayed or denied, legal help may be necessary to appeal the decision and fight for full compensation.
4. Gather Supporting Evidence
To strengthen your claim, collect as much evidence as possible, including:
- Medical records proving the severity of your vision or hearing loss.
- Workplace safety reports showing potential hazards that contributed to your condition.
- Witness statements from coworkers who can confirm hazardous conditions or loud noise exposure.
- Past complaints or OSHA violations related to workplace safety standards.
The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case will be.
5. Understand Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be eligible for:
- Medical treatment coverage – Including surgeries, assistive devices (hearing aids, glasses), and therapy.
- Temporary disability benefits – Partial wage replacement if you are unable to work while recovering.
- Permanent disability benefits – Compensation if your vision or hearing loss is irreversible.
- Vocational rehabilitation – Job retraining if your condition prevents you from returning to your previous position.
If your injury prevents you from working permanently, you may also qualify for long-term disability benefits.
What If My Employer Denies My Claim?
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims for vision and hearing loss are often disputed. Employers and insurance companies may argue that:
- The injury was not caused by workplace conditions.
- You failed to report symptoms in time.
- You had a pre-existing condition that caused your impairment.
If your claim is denied, do not accept the decision without a fight. An experienced employment attorney can:
- Gather additional medical evidence to strengthen your case.
- Appeal a denied or undervalued claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Know Your Legal Rights After a Workplace Injury
Losing your vision or hearing due to workplace conditions can permanently impact your life and career. You have the right to compensation, and taking the proper legal steps can ensure you receive medical benefits and financial support.
At PLBH, we fight for injured employees to ensure they receive fair treatment and full benefits. If you need help filing a claim or appealing a denial, call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today for a consultation.