Bronx Deafness Injury Lawyer
Losing the ability to hear is devastating, especially if it could have been prevented. Thousands of people each year lose all or part of their hearing due to negligence. Hearing loss will impact nearly every aspect of the victim’s life. Victims are faced with medical bills associated with the injury. They also may face loss of income if they are no longer able to perform their job. In addition, there will be a big adjustment with how the victim interacts with family. Far too often, these issues could have been avoided, but for the negligence of another person. If you suffered partial or complete hearing loss as a result of the negligence of another person, contact a New York deafness lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. If the actions of another person led to your hearing loss, under the law you may be able to hold them financially accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.
Causes of DeafnessHearing loss can result from several different types of illnesses or injuries.
- Acoustic trauma. Acoustic trauma is a common cause of hearing loss. It refers to permanent damage to the cochlea as a result of exposure to a single, high-intensity sound. Acoustic trauma can result from a gunshot, fireworks, or explosion near the ear.
- Occupational noise. Occupational noise is a type of noise-induced hearing loss that can occur over time from regular exposure to high-intensity sound such as workplace machinery. For example, workers in the airport whose jobs require them to work in proximity to airplanes are required to wear noise-reducing gear to prevent hearing loss. Factory workers and farm workers are also commonly around machinery with high-intensity sounds, making them susceptible to hearing loss. Note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established rules to preserve the hearing of workers. If you are concerned that your hearing loss was because your employer did not follow state or federal workplace safety rules, contact an experienced New York deafness injury lawyer.
- A traumatic blow. A traumatic blow to the head, ear, or the ear canal can cause bleeding and infection which can damage the cochlea, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. It can also lead to ossicle dislocation, nerve damage, or a ruptured eardrum, resulting in hearing loss. A traumatic blow can occur in a car accident or in a slip and fall accident. It can also occur during an intentional assault.
An injured victim who loses the ability to hear will incur significant expenses from medical treatment and assistive technology. Through a personal injury lawsuit filed with the help of an experienced deafness injury attorney in New York, the person whose negligence resulted in the victim's deafness can be held financially accountable. Compensable damages include:
- Medical treatment. This may include treatment of the injury and conditions associated with hearing loss such as vertigo and nerve damage. Compensable medical fees may also include the cost of hearing aids and in other special equipment.
- Lost wages. You can demand compensation for the wages you lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering compensation addresses both the physical and emotional toll that a serious injury can have on a victim. The more serious the injury, the more likely the victim will receive a substantial pain and suffering damage award.
If your loss of hearing was due to the negligent or intentional act of another person, you have the right to take steps to hold them accountable. Furthermore, through a personal injury lawsuit, you can demand compensation to cover your medical bills and your lost wages. However, when it comes to filing a personal injury claim, time is of the essence. Contact an experienced deafness injury attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Nassau County, Westchester County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, and Queens.