California employees who are at risk for loss of hearing and seeing are often exposed to: excessive amounts of light, toxic chemicals, head injuries from catastrophic falls, chemical and gas explosions, or even electric currents that may cause electrocution. Extended periods of exposure time, or a consistent interaction with, dangerous elements such as toxic chemicals or unnaturally bright lights, can be detrimental to an individual’s ability to work, affecting their ability to see. Slippery floors or dangerous machinery can lead to catastrophic accidents and falls resulting in spinal cord or brain injuries. Injuries to the central nervous system can greatly alter a person’s ability to hear or see as they did prior to the accident. Explosions are dangerous to people in direct contact with the backfire, as well as people who are in the vicinity during the explosion causing potential permanent hearing damage. Electrocution, although rare, can cause sight loss ranging from blurred vision, tunnel vision, to blind spots.
The workplace can create hazardous situations, and without the proper knowledge orsafety equipment employees may be at risk for hearing and sight loss. All employees working in dangerous fields should be subjected to baseline hearing and vision tests to check ability and quality of senses prior to beginning a job and during or after the completion. Safety equipment, such as ear plugs or eye goggles, should be worn at all times while working on the premises with loud equipment or dangerous materials.
Employees who have been injured while at work or during labor hours in California may be entitled to workers compensation or two thirds of wages earned. Coverage may include medical expenses, the potential loss of future wages, and emotional or mental treatments from the life threatening experience. California worker’s compensation claims depend on the severity of the accident and severity of the vision or hearing loss. Seeking advice from an attorney may help to better understand facts for a specific case.
For legal advice regarding individual loss of hearing or sight cases in California, please contact a Workers Compensation Attorney located in San Bernardino City and County. Alvandi Law Group attorneys can help today! Call at (800) 980-6905.