Hearing Loss from Car Accident in Philadelphia
Nobody backs out of their driveway in the morning expecting their mundane Philly commute to end in a tragic car crash, let alone result in hearing loss.
Yet, it’s more common than you might think.
Every day in Pennsylvania, 182 individuals are injured in reportable car crashes, and some face life-changing outcomes like hearing loss.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing hearing loss from a recent car accident, getting in touch with reputable lawyers can help you explore your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Gay Chacker & Ginsburg to find out how we can help. There is no risk or obligation. If you hire us to represent you, we’ll charge you no legal fees unless we recover compensation for your damages. Call us today at (215) 567-7955 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us
For over 50 years, Gay Chacker & Ginsburg has earned a reputation helping Philly residents secure compensation for car accident claims. Recognizing that legal issues are just one part of your recovery, our team also helps you deal with the psychological and emotional aspects of your accident.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are suffering hearloss, our lawyers will fight passionately to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We will help with:
- Filing Documents
Our seasoned attorneys streamline the paperwork process, handling every detail and expediting where necessary to ensure your lawsuit is filed efficiently. - Communicating with Other Parties
We manage all interactions with insurers, attorneys, and responsible parties, so you can focus on your recovery. - Collecting Evidence
We collaborate with accident reconstructionists and witnesses to gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, and photos, to build your case. - Establishing Liability
Despite the effects being life long, car crashes often happen in a flash.Our team works diligently to prove the other party’s fault while minimizing your own liability in the incident. - Providing Emotional Support
We recognize the lasting impact of accidents, including hearing loss, and offer support to help you navigate the physical, emotional, and lifelong challenges ahead.
Why Hearing Loss is More Serious Than You Think
Pennsylvania law classifies hearing loss as a catastrophic injury. This is trauma that permanently affects one’s quality of life.
Regrettably, many auto insurance providers may have the tendency to downplay the significance of such injury in a person’s life.
From mild hearing issues to complete deafness that requires lifelong aids or treatments, hearing loss can be life-altering.
That’s why hearing loss is not something you sweep under a rug hoping it will resolve itself;it’s something that you have to take seriously with both your doctor and lawyer alike.
What Causes Hearing Loss During a Car Accident
The ear canal is one of the most delicate parts of the human body, and forces such as those in a car crash can cause significant damage either directly or indirectly. Some of the causes of hearing loss in car accidents are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
Trauma to the head or neck region can result from your head crashing into the windscreen or steering wheel and is a major cause of hearing problems that may eventually lead to hearing loss.
- Change in Pressure
Changes in pressure during a car accident can damage the delicate mechanisms within the ear leading to eventual hearing loss.
- Airbag Deployment
According to hearing health matters, noise levels above 140 decibels can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.Subsequently, the rapid deployment of airbags in vehicle accidents may create high decibel levels, above 160 decibels that may lead to hearing loss.
- Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when your head and neck move violently forward and backward during a car crash, damaging the delicate tissues of your neck. It is one of the most common causes of injuries to the head and neck region and can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
- Blood Vessel Damage
Trauma can disrupt blood flow to the inner ear, eventually leading to temporary or permanent hearloss.
How to Know You Have Hearing Loss
Symptoms of hearing loss vary from person to person. However, if you have the following tell-tale signs after an accident, you may be a victim of hearing loss.
- Ringing in the ears/tinnitus
- Chronic ear pain
- Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss
- Trouble with balance
- Discomfort in your ears
- Difficulty distinguishing voices or comprehending words
- Pressure or fullness in the ears
How to Establish Proof of Hearing Loss for a Claim
To make a personal injury claim viable, you must establish that the opposing party owed you a duty of care, breached it, and caused damages through their negligent actions. For instance, driving under the influence is a clear breach of the duty of care and can lead to life-threatening accidents. You can take the following steps to bolster your claim:
- Keeping proof of how the hearing loss has impacted your day to day life
- Keep track of medical records
- Reports from traffic police, accidents reconstructionists and other experts
- Statements from doctors and proof of how your hearing was before and after the crash
FAQs
Here are some questions you may have about hearing loss in Philadelphia:
1. Can I file a lawsuit after hearing loss in Pennsylvania
2. What factors affect the settlement for hearing loss
Your settlement from a hearing loss suit depends on many things, including the extent to which your injury affected your day to day life, your medical needs, and the insurance limits of the other driver.
The outcome of your case hinges on the quality of your legal representation; an experienced team can make all the difference.
3. Can I get compensation for high medical bills
4. What Treatments Exist for Hearing Loss Patients?
5. What to do If You're Experiencing Hearloss After a Car Accidents
If you notice signs of hearing loss following a car accident, it’s crucial to act immediately. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911
As soon as you’re involved in a crash, it’s important to call the authorities as they will bring police officers and medical professionals to the scene.
The police can then take photos and make a report that will come handy when proving liability later when you pursue compensation.
- Seek Medical Advice
The first thing to do if you have the above symptoms of hearing loss is to see a doctor or an ENT(eye, nose and throat) specialist. This doctor will diagnose, evaluate and prescribe treatment options for your symptoms.
It’s also important to remember that hearing loss can be progressive with mild symptoms becoming worse over time, so even mild symptoms require prompt action.
- Consult With Your Lawyer
The most important thing to do after seeking medical advice is getting in touch with a reputable and experienced law firm that handles auto accident claims in Philadelphia.
A lawyer will help you draft documentation, understand the legal frameworks, answer questions and calm anxieties.
- Report your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Under Pennsylvania law (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524), car accident claims must be filed within two years. Filing an insurance claim is vital to connect your hearing loss to the accident. Our legal team at Gay Chacker & Ginsburg will navigate the claims process, handle negotiations, and ensure you aren’t overwhelmed by insurance procedures.
We’re Here to Help
Don’t let the insurance companies downplay the significance of your hearing loss. Like we’ve done the past 50 years, our lawyers at Gay Chacker & Ginsburg will fight passionately to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and the profound impact on your quality of life. Get a free consultation by calling (215) 567-7955 today.
