Workers’ Comp for Vision and Hearing Loss
Not all workplace injuries are visible. Many workers suffer permanent damage to their hearing or vision because of unsafe job conditions, constant exposure to noise, or sudden accidents. These injuries can change your life, limit your ability to work, and make everyday activities more difficult.
I’m Thomas Marchese, a Columbus workers’ comp attorney with nearly four decades of experience fighting for injured Ohio workers. If you’ve suffered hearing loss, ringing in your ears, partial blindness, or an eye injury related to your job, I can help you pursue the benefits you deserve through Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.
Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Hearing or Vision Loss in Ohio?
Yes. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recognizes both hearing loss and vision loss as compensable injuries. Whether your condition developed slowly from exposure or happened suddenly due to an accident, you may qualify for benefits.
Types of cases I handle include:
- Occupational hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud machinery, construction noise, or industrial environments.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) caused by workplace noise.
- Eye injuries from chemicals, debris, sparks, or accidents.
- Partial or total vision loss caused by trauma or long-term exposure to harmful conditions.
Common Jobs Linked to Vision and Hearing Loss
Some professions put workers at much higher risk for permanent sensory damage, including:
- Construction workers exposed to jackhammers, saws, and power tools.
- Factory and warehouse employees working around constant machinery noise.
- Healthcare and laboratory workers exposed to hazardous chemicals or sharp instruments.
- Welders, machinists, and metalworkers at risk of sparks, debris, and bright-light damage.
- Transportation workers exposed to engine noise and vibration.
If your job exposes you to high noise levels or eye hazards, you may already have a valid claim.
Why These Claims Are Often Denied
Unfortunately, hearing and vision claims are some of the most frequently denied by the BWC. Employers and insurers often argue:
- Your condition is age-related, not work-related.
- Your injury existed before you started the job.
- There isn’t enough medical evidence tying the damage to your workplace.
That’s why having an attorney is so important. I work closely with medical experts, gather the right documentation, and fight back against denials so you don’t lose the benefits you’re entitled to.
What Benefits Are Available for Hearing or Vision Loss?
If your claim is approved, workers’ compensation can cover:
- Medical treatment – including hearing aids, surgeries, medications, and corrective procedures.
- Wage replacement – temporary or permanent disability benefits if your condition affects your ability to work.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) – additional compensation for lasting damage, even if you return to work.
- Vocational rehabilitation – retraining if you cannot return to your original trade.
Why Choose Me for Your Case
- Specialized knowledge: As one of Ohio’s first certified workers’ comp specialists, I know how to build strong cases for sensory injuries.
- Proven record: I’ve recovered millions in benefits for Ohio workers.
- Direct representation: When you call my office, you work directly with me — not just a paralegal.
- No fee unless we win: You don’t pay anything unless I secure benefits for you.