San Antonio Hearing Loss Injury Lawyer
If a workplace accident has left you with hearing loss, the stress of missing work and paying medical bills can often feel overwhelming. If your employer does not participate in the state workers’ compensation program, you have the right to pursue restitution through legal action, and an experienced attorney can help you with this process.
A settlement could pay for your medical treatment and long-term care, replace lost wages, and alleviate financial anxieties. Call a diligent San Antonio hearing loss injury lawyer at Felix Gonzalez Law to schedule an appointment to review your case.
What Causes Occupational Hearing Loss?
Work-related or occupational hearing loss is a preventable and debilitating condition that primarily results from hazardous workplace environments.
Noise-Induced
Noise-induced injuries are the most common cause of hearing loss and can occur in various settings. Long-term exposure to loud noise puts those working near heavy machinery, farming equipment, or in manufacturing facilities at the greatest risk.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
Chemicals known as ototoxicants can be hazardous when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, resulting in hearing loss. Some examples include solvents, such as toluene and styrene, and heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
Traumatic Injuries to the Head or Ears
Accidents leading to physical trauma, like blows to the head or ears, blasts, or significant changes in pressure, can lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss. Workers are at increased risk in hazardous settings, such as construction sites.
Employers must provide safe working conditions and equipment to protect workers’ ears. If failure to do so has led to a hearing impairment claim, a personal injury attorney can answer questions about the civil court process in San Antonio.
Nonsubscriber Employers
Nonsubscriber employers are companies that opt out of the state’s workers’ compensation insurance system. When injuries occur in the workplace, employees have no access to traditional workers’ compensation benefits.
To protect employees who sustain job-related injuries, these companies have to give up certain legal protections, such as avoiding personal injury lawsuits. If a work injury has caused partial or total deafness, a San Antonio attorney can help hold the employer accountable.
Legal Options After Accidents
When injured employees lack access to a no-fault workers’ compensation system covering medical care and lost wages, they may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. Individuals have legal protection and the right to sue the company for negligence, regardless of the severity of the injuries.
The evidence needed to build a compelling case includes medical records and bills, accident reports, and witness statements. Per the rules of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the petition must be filed within two years of the date the worker sustained the injuries. If other people or organizations were negligent and contributed to the accident, separate legal action can be brought against them.
Steps To Protect Injured Workers’ Rights
Injured workers can act quickly to preserve their rights by following these steps:
- See a health care professional for an evaluation and diagnosis
- Keep records of any noise exposure and communication difficulties
- Document efforts to speak with the employer about the cause of the problem, loss of hearing, and medical care
- File a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission in the event of code violations, negligence, or communication problems with employers
A lawyer can investigate the impaired hearing injury case, gather evidence, analyze the facts, and build a convincing claim to obtain a fair settlement in San Antonio.
Call a San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney Today To Discuss Your Work-Related Loss of Hearing
Sadly, workplace injuries leading to loss of hearing affect millions of Americans each year. If your employer’s negligence caused you harm, you must hold them accountable.
A skilled San Antonio hearing loss lawyer could help you through the challenging process and advocate for your rights. Call Felix Gonzalez Law today to learn more about the legal process and schedule a consultation.
