Mississippi Hearing Loss Lawyer
Work-related hearing loss is one of the most common types of injuries in American workplaces, yet it is not discussed enough, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the CDC reports that hearing loss is currently “the third most common chronic physical condition.” About 11 percent of all current workers have some form of hearing loss, and approximately 25 percent of those workers have suffered hearing loss as a result of work-related exposures. Whether you have experienced hearing loss as a result of exposure to loud sounds or to hazardous chemicals, you could be eligible to seek financial compensation. Contact our experienced Mississippi hearing loss lawyer today.
Learning More About Hearing Loss in Mississippi Workplaces
What causes hearing loss in workplaces in Mississippi, and what types of workers are most frequently impacted? Consider some of the following facts from the CDC:
- Hearing loss in one or both ears typically results from exposure either to loud noise or to ototoxic chemicals that cause damage to a person’s inner ear (including trichloroethylene, mercury, lead, and carbon monoxide);
- Approximately 17 percent of all workers, or about 22 million people, are exposed to levels of sound in the workplace every year that could result in hearing loss;
- Noise is considered to be hazardous at 85 decibels or higher;
- Approximately 10 million workers in America are exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace that could result in some hearing loss;
- Every type of industry could potentially involve employee exposure to hazardous levels of noise or to chemicals that could cause hearing loss, but the industries of mining and construction most often have workers with hearing loss;
- Hearing loss has been linked with other forms of injury and illness, including cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and heart disease; and
- Hearing loss can be accompanied by tinnitus, which can increase the likelihood of sleep disruptions, concentration disruptions, and both depression and anxiety.
What Does Compensation Look Like for Hearing Loss in Mississippi?
If you are currently suffering from hearing loss due to work duties you have performed or as a result of a work-related exposure, you should know that you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim in Mississippi. In general, the Mississippi workers’ compensation system covers medical care related to a worker’s injury, and a portion of the injured worker’s average weekly wage as a form of wage replacement benefit. In addition, you could be eligible for disability pay.
The schedule for disability pay in Mississippi depends upon whether an injury is temporary or permanent, and whether it is partial or total. The schedule for disability pay lists the number of weeks of compensation an injured worker can be eligible to receive. For loss of hearing in one year, a worker can receive 40 weeks of compensation. For loss of hearing in both ears, a worker can receive 150 weeks of compensation.
Contact Lunsford Baskin & Prieve, PLLC Today
If you have suffered hearing loss due to exposure, you should find out more about seeking compensation. Contact our experienced Mississippi hearing loss lawyer for more information.
