By Ron Fonner, Esq. and Joe Fieschko, Esq. 

A spate of coal mine cut-backs and closings in Southwestern Pennsylvania have left mine workers not only without a job, but left many without their hearing as well. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), one out of every four miners have a hearing problem and four out of five have a hearing impairment when they reach retirement age. Exposure to loud machinery, some exceeding 100 dB(A), over a prolonged period of time can cause tinnitus (a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears), as well as general loss of hearing. 

Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law states that a loss of 10% or more in both ears is eligible for compensation. A successful claim can result in up to 260 weeks of Workers’ Comp benefits. But you must act. There is a three-year limit for filing a claim. You must file within three years of the last day you were exposed to hazardous noise in order to move forward with your claim. 

You will also need to have a physician who specializes in hearing loss evaluate you and determine the extent of your hearing loss. Quatrini Law Group will guide you every step of the way. As a full-service firm, we can also explore if you are eligible for any other benefits to compensate for your hearing loss, such as Social Security Disability or Veteran benefits if you have served. 

If your job as a coal miner has cost you the ability to hear the television; to hear your loved ones; to participate in conversations; or plagued you with a constant ringing in your ears, contact us online or call (888) 534-6016. We can help you get the benefits you deserve.