If you start noticing hearing loss after you’ve been in a St. Louis car accident, you may have a few options.
Most of us think about hearing loss as a degenerative condition. People who have worked in a loud environment or those who are aging may experience progressive hearing loss.
However, hearing loss can happen abruptly too, for example after a car crash.
If you start noticing hearing loss after you’ve been in a car accident, you may have a few options.
How a Car Crash Can Lead to Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often the last thing people think of when it comes to car accidents. Although not very common, it can still happen.
A head injury may cause a fracture of the cochlea in the inner ear or dislocation or fracture of the middle ear bones. Trauma to the head can also create a hole in the inner ear or it can lead to inner ear bleeding.
More often than not, the deployment of the airbag is responsible for hearing loss. One study estimates that about 15% of the victims involved in car accidents where the airbag was deployed will suffer some form of hearing loss. That’s because when the airbag is deployed, it can create an explosion with a sound pressure higher than 170 decibels.
What Are My Options?
You may be presented with a tempting offer from the insurance company immediately after the car accident, and it is understandable if you want to take it. However, be sure to consult with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney first. More often than not, this settlement doesn’t represent the real value of your injuries and it doesn’t account for future expenses and lost wages.
A good lawyer will go through your medical records and consult with your doctor to get the full scope of your injuries. If you accept the settlement but later find out that you need additional treatment or surgery, you will likely have to pay for them out of your own pocket.
A fair compensation will account for:
- Present and future medical expenses: Emergency care and diagnostic tests are just part of the medical costs that come with hearing loss after a car accident. Keep in mind that hearing aids need to be replaced every three to five years and they require regular maintenance.
- Lost wages: You may have to take time off work during your recovery. In some cases, you may not be able to return to your old job after suffering a hearing loss injury.
- Pain and suffering: Losing your ability to hear can take an emotional toll on you as you may not take part anymore in your favorite activities or even regular ones too. Going to see your favorite band live or even talking with family members may become a struggle, which can deteriorate your mental health. Your claim should account for your pain and suffering and award your proper compensation.
Get Help from an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer
Get in touch with a St. Louis car crash lawyer now for a free consultation. Speak with us 24/7 to ensure your legal rights are protected after a car accident.