Fee Schedule for New Jersey Workers Comp Due to Hearing Related Injuries
Many individuals may not realize that a hearing loss may be a compensable work injury under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act. If you were exposed to a loud or high frequency noise at your place of employment and have sustained hearing loss because of it, you should consult with a New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer to help you file for workers’ compensation benefits.
Hearing Loss Caused By Loud Noises at the Workplace
Because the ear is so sensitive, it does not take long for damage to occur. In fact, one burst of noise can have devastating results. Some other factors that contribute to hearing loss include the pitch of the noise, length of exposure, and lack of protective ear gear.
When an explosion, persistent noise, chemical exposure, power tool malfunction or other injury or illness leaves you with total or partial hearing loss, an experienced New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer can help you obtain maximum compensation. Even if you did not suffer a complete loss of hearing, you may still be entitled to monetary benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For a Loss of Hearing Workplace Injury
Under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act, eligible claimants suffering from loss of hearing can receive medical and monetary benefits. Monetary benefits are available on a temporary or permanent basis.
Temporary Disability
Individuals suffering from a temporary loss of hearing can receive temporary disability benefits at 70 percent of average weekly earnings, subject to a weekly minimum and maxim rates.
Permanent Partial Disability
Individuals suffering from serious injuries with permanent effect but who can still engage in some type of limited work activities are deemed to have a permanent partial disability. They will receive 70 percent of their average weekly wage.
Calculation of Weekly Benefits
Depending on a physician’s certification of the percentage of loss of hearing, the New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer can calculate the weekly benefits the claimant is entitled to. This also depends on whether the hearing loss is in one or both ears:
- One Ear: The minimum benefits awarded for loss of hearing at 1 percent damage include $129.60 for .6 weeks and the maximum at 100 percent include $12,960.00 for 60 weeks.
- Two Ears: The minimum benefits awarded for loss of hearing at 1 percent damage include $432.00 for 2 weeks and the maximum at 100 percent include $75,600.00 for 200 weeks.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with a New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer, please call Dan T. Matrafajlo, Attorney At Law at (908) 248-4404.