Hearing loss is a complex problem that may arise due to multiple causes. However, many automobile accident victims experience hearing loss at some point during their recovery. Specific types of injuries are more likely to cause a person to lose their ability to hear.
If you want to learn more about the effects of automobile accidents, then you should reach out to a car accident lawyer in Atlanta. It is important to learn about the common injuries that victims suffer during automobile accidents. However, hearing loss is one of the most debilitating injuries a person can experience.
The Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss During an Automobile Accident
Hearing loss can manifest itself in many different circumstances. Automobile accidents often cause victims to experience serious bodily injury. The following injuries are most commonly associated with hearing loss in automobile accident victims:
- Deployed airbags
- Whiplash
- A skull fracture or head trauma
These injuries may cause immediate hearing loss, but it is also possible for impaired hearing to have a delayed onset. All automobile accident victims should seek immediate medical attention after being involved in an automobile accident. Also, some accident victims may notice fluctuations in their hearing that can be associated with other medical conditions.
The Symptoms of Impaired Hearing Victims Experience After an Automobile Accident
Even if you suffer only minor injuries, you should still seek out medical treatment as soon as possible after an automobile accident. Sometimes, you may suffer ear injuries without noticing any symptoms for weeks or months. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with hearing loss:
- Inability to differentiate between voices
- Inability to comprehend the meanings of words
- A sensation of pressure in one ear or two ears
- A painful sensation in one ear or two ears
- A ringing sensation in one ear or two ears
- Muffled hearing
- Loss of balance
- Dizzy spells
These symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses and conditions. It is absolutely essential that you seek out medical treatment if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Hearing loss can be permanent, and it is devastating to lose the ability to listen to music and hear the voices of your friends and family members.
The Types of Damages You May Claim in an Automobile Accident Case
Hearing loss is a serious injury, and it is important to ascertain the types of damages you may claim after suffering hearing loss during an automobile accident. Typically, accident victims claim economic damages and non-economic damages. However, some accident victims seek punitive damages if the conduct of the defendant was willful, wanton, and malicious.
Economic damages are characterized by their quantifiable nature, and they are generally proven through documentary evidence, such as medical bills and automobile repair invoices. Non-economic damages are more personal to the victim and include loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. These damages need to be calculated to arrive at a total damages amount.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults
Adults may suffer hearing loss due to many different reasons. Vertigo, tinnitus, and a ruptured eardrum are all common causes of hearing loss. It is possible for these injuries to occur during an automobile accident. If you are suffering from hearing loss, then you may need to see a medical professional to determine if you are suffering from one of these conditions.
Blood flow disruption to the cochlea is also a common cause of hearing loss. If the small bones in the middle of the ear suffer injury, then this can lead to hearing loss as well. Any damage to the hair cells, membranes, or inner ear tissue must be assessed by a physician, and it is imperative that you retain all the records of your medical treatment so you can use them to support your civil lawsuit.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit After Experiencing Hearing Loss During an Automobile Accident
If you lost your hearing, then you may be able to file legal claims against the driver responsible for causing the automobile accident in which you were injured. You can claim pain and suffering damages as well as lost earnings, medical bills, and damages. Filing a complaint is the first step that initiates a civil lawsuit.
A lawyer can provide you with the details regarding the causes of action which will be included in the complaint. It can take time for legal issues to be resolved through litigation. Fortunately, approximately 95% of all civil cases settle before trial, and this means it is more likely that your case will settle before trial.
Establishing the Liability of the Defendant
Establishing the four elements of negligence is necessary for a personal injury case in which you are claiming the negligent party caused you to suffer hearing loss. Duty, breach, causation, and damages are the four elements of negligence. Every driver has a duty to behave as a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances.
Breaching this duty and the subsequent accidents and injuries caused by the breach give rise to civil liability. A claim for hearing loss will need to be substantiated by documentary evidence and testimonial evidence. You will need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant breached their duty of care and the breach caused the accident in which you suffered hearing loss.
We Are Here to Help You with Your Civil Lawsuit in Atlanta, Georgia
Hearing loss can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. If you need the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your personal injury case while you recover from your injuries.
It can be difficult to get back to normal life after suffering hearing loss. You may find yourself experiencing symptoms that affect your ability to get to work. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms as a result of your hearing loss, we can help you find a doctor who will treat your injuries on a lien basis.
