? about if I even have a claim

[Scoops]

First of all I am afraid to even talk to anyone about this and don't want to get in trouble so I'm sorry if I seem too vague. I have worked in an emergency call center for over 20 years. I have hearing loss that is causing me problems. Because we sit for long periods of time I am now experiencing a lot of body aches especially in my legs and hips. We work extra long hours and sometimes sit for 8 hours at a time with no break other than to use the bathroom or get something to eat.

How do I know if my hearing loss and body aches are even something I can claim is work related? How do I even start a process and will I lose my job or be told I can't work there if I make these claims?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Scoops

[1171]

each state has work their own work comp laws so there is no one answer without knowing yours.
most states have a website where rules and procedures and forms are posted.
most of the issues depend on medical evidence.
what do your doctors say?
without a supporting doctor's opinion relating the condition to work you won't have a successful claim.

[Scoops]

1171 Wrote:each state has work their own work comp laws so there is no one answer without knowing yours.
most states have a website where rules and procedures and forms are posted.
most of the issues depend on medical evidence.
what do your doctors say?
without a supporting doctor's opinion relating the condition to work you won't have a successful claim.

[Scoops]

My state is California. I haven't asked my doctor about workers comp but the hearing loss is definitely work related after many years of wearing a headset and constant sirens, tones, and phone and radio transmissions. I am not the type to file claims but after all these years and my simple requests not being accommodated I am wondering what I can do. My doctor's opinion is that my work place is too demanding, causes sleep deprivation, and he thinks I should get out of there. I make decent money and have never done anything else so quitting would be very difficult especially in todays economy.

How do I find someone to give me advice?

[1171]

the court won't accept your (or the employers) word on the connection/causation to your job.
reasonable accommodation laws are under federal ADA statutes
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/adalinks.htm
comp issue advice:
http://www.caaa.org

[redsnapper]

Scoops Wrote:First of all I am afraid to even talk to anyone about this and don't want to get in trouble so I'm sorry if I seem too vague. I have worked in an emergency call center for over 20 years. I have hearing loss that is causing me problems. Because we sit for long periods of time I am now experiencing a lot of body aches especially in my legs and hips. We work extra long hours and sometimes sit for 8 hours at a time with no break other than to use the bathroom or get something to eat.

How do I know if my hearing loss and body aches are even something I can claim is work related? How do I even start a process and will I lose my job or be told I can't work there if I make these claims?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Scoops

I guess I don't understand why a hearing loss would be job related?--not unless you are employed in an unusally loud enviroment--that would cause damage to your inner ear, or it could be just age related? Aches & pains for sitting too long--I don't think so. Millions of other Americans are in sit-down jobs & complain of the same things. It also may be a sign of other physical problems that are non job related.