Losing your hearing means missing out on a lot of life events. Your child’s recitals, your favorite bands, and even the simple pleasure of hearing your spouse’s voice may be lost without your hearing. Worse, you did what you could to protect your hearing, but your job caused the damage.
The question is, are South Carolina workers comp insurers required to cover hearing loss? You need those benefits to cover your bills to maintain or repair your hearing, when possible, as well as making up for the losses you’ve suffered. If you’re having trouble getting workers comp benefits for hearing loss, you may need to seek your benefits with the help of an attorney.
What Your Workers Comp Benefits Should Cover
When you’re hurt on the job, your employer should cover all your losses. No matter who was at fault, you should be offered benefits that cover all your needs, including wage replacement while you’re unable to work. For example, you may need time off to get your hearing aids, or your hearing loss may make doing your job impossible.
Typically, hearing loss is considered a work injury or illness. Some work environments are especially loud, and that leads to many people losing their hearing over time. That’s especially true if you don’t have appropriate equipment to help you avoid that damage.
What Happens When Your Workers Comp Benefits Are Denied
But, that doesn’t always mean your workers comp provider will be so understanding. You may have been denied your full benefits, or you may have been denied benefits. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though.
Instead of accepting what they’ll offer, your workers comp lawyer can take your claim to court, representing you when you’re hurt and suffering. Your case will be heard during a formal hearing in front of a panel of workers comp commissioners, who are responsible for deciding how your claim will be settled.
If you believe your employer was reckless with your safety, such as ignoring OSHA regulations, your lawyer can help you there, too. They can help you file a complaint with OSHA, and they can even help you take your claim to court if you’re concerned about getting your compensation.
Talk to a Work Comp Lawyer About Hearing Loss
When you’re hurt on the job, you may be due compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. But, some injuries and losses are more complicated than others. Hearing loss, for example, may seem more difficult to prove, since it happens over time. The good news is, you have a chance to prove it with a lawyer from HawkLaw, PA.
Your South Carolina workers comp lawyer may be a key part of getting your compensation. Your attorney can help you gather information about your claim, so you can get the compensation you need following your claim.
If you’re hurt, reach out for help. We offer free consultations* for potential clients, so reach out for help before you get started. Give us a call at 1-888-HAWK-LAW (429-5529) or fill out the following online contact form to learn more.
