“Can I Get a Workers Compensation Settlement for Hearing Loss in Missouri?”

If you have lost some or all of your hearing due to your job, you may be wondering if you are entitled to a workers compensation settlement.

Hearing is one of our most important senses, and if you’ve lost some or all of your hearing in either ear due to your job, you may be wondering if you can qualify for a workers’ compensation settlement.

Hearing Loss Generally Qualifies For Workers’ Comp

The short answer is, generally, “yes.” Hearing loss is considered to be an “occupational illness” under Missouri law, similar to any other injury or illness suffered due to your job. If you experience hearing loss due to your work, you are generally entitled to compensation in the state of Missouri.

According to workers’ compensation law in Missouri, hearing loss can affect either one or both ears if the loss is caused by “prolonged and repeated exposure” to harmful noise levels in the workplace. 

Hearing loss is common in heavy industry, factory jobs, agricultural work, working in the music industry, and working in airports. Even if you wear proper protective equipment, you can eventually lose some of your hearing.

While long-term exposure to loud noises is the most common cause of work-related hearing loss, certain accidents can also cause hearing loss. For example, your ear could be struck by an object that destroys part of the inside of the ear, or a loud explosion could cause damage.

It Can Be Difficult To Prove That Your Hearing Loss Is Work-Related

As with any other workers’ compensation claim, you must be able to show that your hearing loss was work-related. This is easier to do if you had to take a hearing test before your employment – if you take another test that shows deterioration, this may be clear proof that you have lost some of your hearing.

However, employers may try to fight against your claim. They will commonly claim that hearing loss is caused by advanced age, claim you listen to loud music, or even try to prove that you did not wear proper hearing protection during your job. 

Because of this, working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will give you the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can defend you and your rights and help prove your hearing loss was work-related.

Contact The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann To Get Help

Getting workers’ compensation in Missouri can be difficult, particularly for injuries like hearing loss, which may not have obvious physical effects. To give yourself the best chance of success, contact The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for a free case review. Our Missouri work injury attorneys can work closely with you to get the best possible outcome for your case.