Hearing Loss Compensation QLD
Working as a paid employee in a noisy environment may entitle you to compensation through an industrial deafness claim. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to guide you through the process of securing the WorkCover compensation you rightfully deserve. We’re not just lawyers – we’re compassionate listeners, ready to take the first step with you towards an empowered future.
Have you or a loved one suffered hearing loss due to a noisy workplace? We understand that dealing with work-related hearing loss can be challenging, stressful, and daunting. This is our WorkCover laywers are here to help.
What is Hearing Loss Compensation in Queensland?
Hearing loss compensation in Queensland is an important aspect of supporting individuals who have suffered from workplace-induced hearing impairment. The term used in Queensland is industrial deafness. In addition, according to WorkSafe’s Queensland workers’ compensation scheme statistics 2021–22, 1,328 industrial deafness claims were made in Queensland between 2020 and 2021, and another 1,197 claims were made from 2021 to 2022.
What is an Industrial Deafness Compensation Claim?
If you’ve suffered hearing loss due to working in a noisy workplace as a paid employee, you may be eligible for compensation through an industrial deafness claim. The NOHSC National Code of Practice (2004) describes industrial deafness as “occupational noise-induced hearing loss” which is a “hearing impairment arising from exposure to excessive noise at work.”
Am I Eligible for Hearing Loss Compensation in Queensland?
To be eligible and secure your compensation for a hearing loss claim, you’ll need to fulfil at least the following criteria:
- A medical certificate (or work capacity certificate) issued under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act of 2003 that confirms your diagnosis of industrial deafness.
- Your claim is filed within the correct time frame:
- While actively employed under the Act’s definition of “worker”
- While temporarily out of work, but still generally considered an employee
- Within one year of formally retiring from the workforce.
- You have worked in a noisy environment for at least five years (in total), where the noise levels clearly added to your hearing loss.
Understanding eligibility for hearing loss compensation can be confusing. Our team at WT Compensation Lawyers is here to give you clarity and support. If you’ve experienced hearing loss in a noisy workplace, our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers can offer advice to determine your eligibility.
What Kind of Hearing Loss Compensation Can I Expect?
If your claim is successful, you may receive various forms of compensation, including:
- Lump sum payments: Compensation for ongoing hearing loss and its impact on your life.
- Medical expenses: Cover for ongoing hearing loss injury treatment or devices, e.g., hearing aids.
- Loss of earnings: Compensation for hearing loss affecting your ability to work.
Even if at fault, you may have a right to compensation. Start your claims check:
🔒 FREE CLAIMS CHECK TAKES 2 MINUTES
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Hearing Loss?
WorkSafe’s Queensland workers’ compensation scheme statistics 2021–22 report indicates that the average payout for industrial deafness was $31,654 in 2020 and $35,397 in 2021.
However, remember that the amount of compensation you receive for hearing loss depends on the degree of permanent impairment (DPI), as per Queensland’s workers’ compensation laws.
We’ve listed the average lump sum payout amounts below as a guide, but note that every case and payout is unique.
| Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI) | Payout Range (Minimum to Maximum) | Average Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 10% | $4,000 – $10,000 | $7,000 |
| 10 – 20% | $8,000 – $20,000 | $14,000 |
| 20 – 30% | $16,000 – $40,000 | $28,000 |
| 30 – 40% | $24,000 – $60,000 | $42,000 |
| 40 – 50% | $32,000 – $80,000 | $56,000 |
Notably, there are certain exclusions you need to consider, such as natural hearing loss and instances of self-employment.
What is the Process of Claiming Hearing Loss Compensation?
Following your successful WorkCover claim for industrial deafness, you will receive an evaluation that determines the extent of your permanent hearing loss from workplace noise exposure. The assigned percentage of permanent damage – your DPI – is the foundation for your workers’ compensation claim.
The amount you receive directly depends on your DPI. WorkCover provides an offer based on the assessment, taking specific exclusions into account:
- Hearing loss from outside Queensland or during self-employment (if applicable)
- The natural 5% decline in hearing everyone experiences with age
- Any hearing loss identified in previous assessments.
For more details on these calculations, delve into section 9 (Hearing) of Queensland’s Guidelines for Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
If you agree with the assessment and compensation offer, your acceptance opens the door to future claims every three years, if your hearing declines further.
Accepting or Rejecting the Offer
We empower you to make informed decisions about your claim. Our team ensures you understand the assessment and offer, and we’ll provide guidance on accepting or rejecting the offer based on your unique circumstances. We’ll also discuss why it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a choice:
- Claiming damages (a common law claim) might be an option if you believe your employer’s negligence caused your hearing loss. This is only possible alongside the lump sum compensation if your DPI is 20% or higher.
- If your DPI falls between 5% and 19%, you must choose between accepting the offer or pursuing damages.
If you’re not happy with the assessment, you can request an independent evaluation or an assessment by the Medical Assessment Tribunal (MAT), whose decision is final.
What We Do
At WT Compensation Lawyers, your well-being is our priority. Moreover, we recognise the emotional and physical toll that pursuing a hearing loss compensation claim can take. Our commitment to you goes beyond legal assistance; we are compassionate personal injury lawyers ready to stand by your side. We’ll take care of all the legal procedures so you can focus on your recovery.
If you’ve experienced workplace-induced hearing loss, our team is here to guide you with care and understanding. Let us be your support system – take the first step with us today.
Hearing Loss Compensation in QLD FAQs
Industrial deafness is caused by two main factors: chronic noise exposure and once-off acoustic trauma. Working in a noisy environment without proper protection for years gradually damages your hearing. Conversely, a single blast of extremely loud noise can trigger sudden hearing loss. Both paths lead to the same injury: impaired ability to hear.
While sudden onset in one ear, muffled sounds, and tinnitus might hint at a passing issue, only a professional can tell for sure. A comprehensive hearing test will reveal the type and extent of the damage. Remember, seeking help promptly is crucial, regardless of whether your hearing loss comes and goes. Early intervention can maximise recovery and minimise lasting impact.
Many industries with consistent noise hazards qualify, including construction, mining, manufacturing, transport, hospitality, music, and entertainment.
Not necessarily. It depends on factors like the duration and intensity of exposure, type of work, and individual hearing loss severity.
The duration varies depending on how complex each case is, the available evidence, and potential disputes. The entire process could take 6 months to several years.
Contact Us
When it’s time to talk, we’re not just lawyers – we’re compassionate listeners. Join us for your free consultation, and let’s take the first step together towards securing the hearing loss compensation you rightfully deserve.
What our clients say
Even if at fault, you may have a right to compensation. Start your claims check:
🔒 FREE CLAIMS CHECK TAKES 2 MINUTES
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Ru McKinnon
Jono, Sinny and everyone at WT Compensation Lawyers are the best car accident lawyers in Brisbane I’ve come across. The genuine care, compassion and human kindness they show to their clients is clear from the very first moment you speak to them. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer and would not hesitate at all to refer any of my family or friends. Thank you guys always for all your great work.
Colin Lee
I highly recommend Jono, Sinau and the entire team at WT as personal injury lawyers for anyone in Brisbane looking for the best representation. Jono is a step above other lawyers, both in knowing his craft but also in the way he treats his clients like one of his own family. From the very first moment I met him, he has treated me with respect, kindness and compassion and I am glad to say we have become good friends. WT are genuine and very good people who want nothing more than to do the best thing by their clients so THANK YOU for all that you do.
Laurence Twining
Life changing. Seriously. I would highly recommend Jono without any hesitation to anyone in Brisbane looking for the best car accident lawyer. The word grateful doesn’t even begin to express how I feel after having Jono look after me after my car accident claim. He has single handedly changed my life and has given me an opportunity to move on with a bright future after some of the toughest times after my accident. I previously used a big personal injury firm, one that has ads on tv and big marketing budgets for an old work accident and the experience isn’t comparable at all. Care, empathy, compassion, kindness and always had time for me, no matter what time of day/night or how silly my question was. Jono always made me feel like I was important and always kept me updated with everything that was going on. I only wish I had used WT for my old work accident. My result I got far exceeded my expectations and is only a testament to the great personal injury lawyer that Jono is. If you’re still looking for a car accident lawyer just seriously stop and give Jono a call. You will not regret it.
RD
I can’t thank Jono enough for his outstanding work after my motorcycle accident. His dedication, expertise, and genuine care made all the difference in my case and surprisingly turned a horrific situation into a positive one for me. From day one, he took the time to understand my situation, became a very real pillar of support for me, and kept me informed every step of the way. Jono’s strategic approach and relentless advocacy got me a life changing outcome beyond my expectations. If you’re searching for the best personal injury lawyer in Brisbane who truly goes above and beyond, Jono is your go-to guy. He’s also a great bloke which I’m sure is clear to everyone who has the pleasure of crossing paths with him. I’m so grateful for his expertise, support and friendship and writing this review is just a very small way of me thanking him for changing my life.
Tania Harimate
Sinau and the team at WT Compensation Lawyers have been nothing short of amazing. From the beginning, they made me feel comfortable with the process and were so easy to contact. Sinau was very professional and always calling me to keep me updated with my claim. He would always go out of his way to make sure my family and I were okay which I am really grateful for. His kind words and professional advice during a dark time in my life was the glimmer of hope that I needed to keep going. I will always be recommending Sinau and the team at WT to my friends and family, as I truly believe they are the best WorkCover lawyers in Brisbane. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for looking out for your Pasifika people Sinau. It is rare that we see people like you who genuinely care for our community and for that I thank you.