When you work in an industry where you are exposed to especially loud noises, such as manufacturing or construction, you may suffer from hearing loss over time. When this happens, you may need to take some time off from work or stop working altogether so that you can focus on doctor visits and preserving as much of your hearing as possible.
Can you receive workers comp benefits for hearing loss in Indiana?
You should, in fact, be entitled to workers compensation benefits from your employer’s workers comp insurance policy if your hearing loss is related to your job.
How to Qualify for Workers Comp in Indiana
In Indiana, employers are required by law to provide employees workers comp coverage in the event that they suffer a work-related illness or injury.
Many workers are under the misconception that they’ll need to work full-time hours or have been with the company for a certain period of time before coverage is extended to them. That is NOT correct. Workers compensation this coverage should begin from the first day of your employment.
What Your Benefits Will Cover
Once you’ve been approved for workers comp, you’ll begin collecting weekly benefits that will replace a portion of the income you’ll lose while out of work. This should amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wages.
You will also have the medical expenses related to your hearing loss covered, and you can even receive permanent disability benefits if your hearing loss is severe and not expected to heal.
Discuss the details of your condition with your attorney to find out more about which benefits you can take advantage of.
Hearing loss is one of numerous occupational conditions that work comp insurers will often try to avoid providing coverage for. If your claim has been denied, or if you have additional questions about obtaining the workman’s comp benefits you deserve, reach out to the attorneys at The Lockwood Legal Group for a free consultation. You can also call us at 574-303-9005
Remember, In Indiana you only have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim for workers compensation benefits.