Hearing and Vision Loss

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our legal team represents individuals who have suffered work-related hearing and vision loss. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

We understand the devastating impact that hearing and vision loss can have on a person’s personal and professional life. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome in their cases. If you have experienced hearing or vision loss due to your job, we are ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Statistics about Work-Related Hearing and Vision Loss in Florida

Hearing and vision loss is more common than many people realize. Consider these statistics:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,600 work-related hearing loss cases in Florida in 2020.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately 1,000 eye injuries occur daily in the United States, many of which are work-related.
• In a study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), it was found that workers’ in the construction, manufacturing, and service industries were at the highest risk for work-related hearing loss.
• The Florida Department of Health reports that noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational disease in the state.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workers’ exposed to loud noise or harmful chemicals are at increased risk for hearing and vision loss.

These statistics highlight the importance of taking workplace safety measures seriously and seeking legal representation if you have suffered hearing or vision loss due to your job.

Common Causes of Work-Related Hearing and Vision Loss in Florida

There are several common causes of work-related hearing and vision loss in Florida. These include:

• Exposure to loud noise: Workers’ in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation may be exposed to loud noise for prolonged periods, which can lead to hearing loss.
• Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, such as solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides, can cause vision loss or damage to the eyes.
• Physical trauma: Workers’ in industries such as construction or manufacturing may be at risk of eye injuries from flying debris, falling objects, or tools.
• Vibration: Workers’ who operate heavy machinery or tools that produce high levels of vibration may be at risk of developing hearing loss over time.
• Aging: While not directly work-related, the natural aging process can contribute to hearing and vision loss in older workers’ exposed to workplace hazards over their careers.
• Heat and radiation exposure: Workers’ in industries such as welding or electrical work may be at risk of developing vision loss from exposure to ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
• Infectious diseases: Certain infections, such as cytomegalovirus, can cause hearing loss, and workers’ in healthcare or childcare settings may be at increased risk of exposure to these diseases.
• Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can sometimes cause hearing or vision loss, and workers’ in industries such as construction, transportation, or law enforcement may be at higher risk of suffering a TBI.
• Genetics: While not directly work-related, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to hearing or vision loss, which workplace hazards can exacerbate.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase the risk of hearing or vision loss, and workplace stressors can exacerbate these conditions.

Employers must take steps to prevent these types of injuries, such as providing workers’ with protective equipment and ensuring that equipment and machinery are properly maintained.

What Must be Shown to Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Hearing or Vision Loss?

To receive workers’ compensation benefits for hearing or vision loss in Florida, you must prove that your job caused your hearing or vision loss. Specifically, you must prove the following:

• You suffered a work-related injury or illness: To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must show that your job or work environment caused hearing or vision loss.
• Your hearing or vision loss is severe enough to impact your ability to work: You must demonstrate that your hearing or vision loss is severe enough to affect your ability to perform your job duties or other daily activities.
• You have sought medical treatment: You must have received medical treatment for your hearing or vision loss and provide documentation of the diagnosis and treatment.
• You reported the injury or illness to your employer within the required time frame: In Florida, workers’ must report their injury or illness to their employer within 30 days of the accident or onset of the illness to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you prove these elements, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for your hearing or vision loss. It’s important to note that applying for and receiving workers’ compensation benefits can be complex. It may be helpful to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you deserve.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can You Receive for Hearing or Vision Loss?

In Florida, workers’ who suffer from work-related hearing and vision loss may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits may include the following:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation may cover the costs of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and medical equipment related to hearing or vision loss.
• Wage replacement benefits: If an employee cannot work due to their hearing or vision loss, workers’ compensation may provide wage replacement benefits to compensate for lost wages.
• Permanent impairment benefits: Workers’ who have suffered permanent hearing or vision loss may be eligible for permanent impairment benefits, which compensate for the loss of function.
• Rehabilitation benefits: Workers’ compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help workers’ who have suffered hearing or vision loss return to work.

Let Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Help with Your Claim

If you have suffered hearing or vision loss due to your job, our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the benefits you deserve. At our law firm, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle even the most complex workers’ compensation claims.

We understand the devastating impact that hearing and vision loss can have on your life, personally and professionally. We are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need to move forward.

Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Florida law.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers.