Vision and Hearing Loss

Chicago Attorneys Skilled in Recovering Benefits for Injured Workers

Workers who endure vision and hearing loss face the devastating consequences of losing two of their five senses. A job-related injury or condition that causes vision and hearing loss entitles workers to compensation, according to Illinois law. Losing sight or hearing is serious, potentially disrupting an individual’s health and ability to work. The Chicago work injury attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca can help you if you have suffered vision or hearing loss on the job. We can answer any questions that you have and pursue your claim for workers’ compensation benefits with the goal of securing maximum compensation for you. We represent injured workers throughout Illinois, and we are ready to diligently advocate on your behalf.

Seek Benefits for Vision or Hearing Loss Caused at Work

Vision or hearing loss may occur for many different reasons, ranging from burns to flying debris, swinging objects, and exposure to light. For workers who perform tasks in loud environments, it is recommended that they limit their time exposed to the high noise level. In industries ranging from plumbing and carpentry to mechanics, workers may suffer ear and eye injuries that severely undermine their ability to work.

Employees in the manufacturing sector are at a greater risk of developing hearing loss as a result of their job-related tasks. Procedures that produce high levels of noise, such as packaging machinery, often cause gradual hearing loss that may not be immediately identifiable. Food industry workers, as well as people in the transportation equipment, beverage, and tobacco industries, are susceptible to loss of hearing. When employees lose their sight or hearing, even for a temporary period, they should be immediately assessed by a medical professional and treated for their symptoms.

After filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, an injured worker may face challenges posed by their employer or their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. In some cases, the employer may attempt to argue that the vision or hearing loss was not caused by a workplace accident or work-related condition. In order to recover benefits and overcome this allegation, injured workers must set forth evidence documenting the nature of the accident. They must also properly notify their employer about the accident, in accordance with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

The types of benefits that may be recovered depend on the severity of the worker’s vision and hearing loss and the impact that the injuries have upon their ability to work. Generally, benefits will include the payment of medical costs and disability benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits may be appropriate if the injured worker is healing but capable of performing part-time, light-duty work. The employee would receive these benefits until they return to their regular job or reach maximum medical improvement.

For employees who are unable to work, the benefits that they may recover are deemed temporary total disability benefits. This form of benefits may also be appropriate for employees who are unable to be accommodated by their employer, despite being cleared to perform light-duty work.

Contact a Dedicated Job Injury Lawyer in the Chicago Area

By contacting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, injured workers are taking the first step to ensure that their legal rights are protected following a workplace injury. Vision and hearing loss not only affect an ability to return to the workforce but also greatly affect an individual’s quality of life. Our Chicago attorneys also represent victims in Champaign, Aurora, Quincy, and Springfield, as well as other cities in Cook, Champaign, Sangamon, Kane, Winnebago, and Adams Counties. We understand the emotional impact of a workplace injury, and we are committed to pursuing benefits for our clients and helping them receive the medical care and treatment to which they are entitled by law. To set up a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney, contact us online or by calling 312-724-5846.