Do you know that if you wait too long to seek hearing loss compensation, you might lose it? There are strict time limits for filing a court action, and failure to do so results in the loss of the right to compensation. Since the case is time-barred, it cannot be pursued any longer.
Sound is generally a sensation received by the brain when air vibrations are detected by a sensitive element within the ear, whereas noise is an unwanted sound. Although what is noise to one may not be to another. A sound that has been proven to cause hearing damage is considered noise and should be avoided.
Listening to loud sounds usually results in ear damage. Loud sounds generate dangerous waves, and when they enter the ear, the sensitive element that allows humans to hear is damaged either instantly or gradually.
Listening to music in the comfort of your own home, driving on the highway with the window down, or listening to your favorite track with the volume up can all lead to hearing loss. The sounds in workplaces are no better or worse than the noise encountered during normal daily activities.
According to reports, up to 45 percent of plumbers suffer from hearing loss, owing largely to the loud noises they are regularly exposed to on the job. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), of the approximately 15% of individuals in the country who have reported hearing losses, a significant percentage of 60% have hearing impairment caused either at work or in an educational institution.
A more precise statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts the number of people affected by hearing loss in the United States at 24 percent. Hearing loss is estimated to affect approximately 250 million workers worldwide. These sobering statistics demonstrate how common hearing loss is and how quickly it has escalated into a severe health concern.
Employers are required by law to ensure the safety of their employees, and if an employer willfully allows the damage of a worker's hearing, compensation must be sought from such an employer. Even if you were partially to blame for the damage, you should consult with a reputable attorney so that investigations and court proceedings can begin. Typically, the time limit for starting a court process is three years from the date you discovered a problem with your hearing. In some countries, the time limit for filing a compensation claim through a court action can be as little as two years; therefore, it is recommended that a good attorney be retained as soon as possible.
Call us (718)-273-7900 to set up an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys who is well-versed in hearing loss compensation.
