Chicago Hearing Loss Attorney

Helping Chicago Residents Seek Compensation for Hearing Loss Caused by Negligence or Workplace Exposure

If you’ve suffered hearing damage due to someone else’s negligence, a Chicago hearing loss attorney from our law firm can help you pursue full compensation. We represent clients across the city who are living with permanent hearing damage from workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and other causes. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand how the loss of hearing impacts every part of your life–and we’re here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Makes Us the Best Ear Injury Lawyers in Chicago

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is recognized as one of the top-rated personal injury law firms in Chicago, with a proven record of securing millions for clients with hearing-related injuries. Our team has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

We have extensive experience handling hearing damage cases, helping clients throughout Chicago recover compensation. In one case, Jason, a 24-year-old from Chicago, suffered a closed head trauma and ruptured eardrum after a boat struck his waverunner on Lake Michigan. His injuries led to permanent hearing damage and ongoing medical treatment. Our firm secured a $2.33 million settlement, factoring in his age, hearing damage, and long-term impact on his life.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Chicago?

Hearing loss in Chicago is often linked to everyday hazards that many don’t recognize until the damage is done. One of the leading causes is workplace noise exposure, especially in manufacturing, construction, and transportation. According to OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels can permanently damage inner ear structures. 

Explosions, blast injuries, and other high-impact accidents can also cause severe hearing loss. Motor vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, and other trauma-related incidents often result in head injuries that affect hearing. In some cases, defective consumer products like earbuds or headphones contribute to the damage. Hearing loss may also result from medical negligence, including delayed treatment of ear infections or surgical errors that harm the ear or surrounding structures.

What Are the Most Common Types of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can take several forms, each with different causes and long-term effects. Conductive hearing loss involves problems in the outer or middle ear that block sound from reaching the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss, often caused by loud noises, aging, or head trauma, affects the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually permanent. 

Some individuals experience mixed hearing loss, a combination of both types. Tinnitus–ringing or buzzing in the ears–is often associated with inner ear damage. While some cases of hearing loss are temporary, many workers and accident victims suffer permanent hearing loss that impacts daily life and earning ability.

What Damages Can Hearing Loss Victims Recover in Chicago?

If you’ve sustained hearing loss in Chicago due to a workplace injury or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the cost of medical treatment, hearing aids, cochlear implants, follow-up care, and therapy. Many victims also face lost wages and reduced earning capacity, especially if the hearing loss interferes with job performance. 

Non-economic damages cover the personal toll–such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For many, the inability to hear loved ones or participate fully in daily life is just as devastating as the physical injury itself. A top hearing loss attorney can help you pursue the full value of your claims.

What Is the Average Hearing Loss Payout in Chicago?

According to Law.com‘s VerdictSearch, hearing loss settlements range from $30,000 to over $50 million, with a median of $1,051,243 and an average of $6,609,582.

Several key factors influence the value of a case:

• Whether the hearing loss is temporary or permanent
• Total medical costs 
• How the injury affects current and future employment
• Whether the case is a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim involving someone else’s negligence

A top-rated hearing loss attorney can help identify all available sources of compensation and ensure your case is valued fairly.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

$3 Million Settlement for Teen with Hearing Loss Caused by Gentamycin Toxicity

Fourteen-year-old Katy Lydon was treated with the antibiotic gentamycin at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago for an infected meningomyelocele. Despite repeated signs of toxicity–dizziness, vomiting, and tinnitus–her doctors failed to order necessary lab tests and continued treatment. Katy was later diagnosed with gentamycin toxicity, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular damage, and kidney injury. She now requires hearing devices in both ears and may eventually need cochlear implants. Her family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging negligent monitoring by multiple physicians, hospital staff, and Coram Alternative Site Services. The defendants admitted liability. The case settled for $3 million.

$2.5 Million Settlement for Construction Worker with Head Injuries and Hearing Loss

Ironworker John Walls fell 28 feet while working at a high school construction site in Cook County due to missing safety lugs on a stair installation. He suffered multiple injuries, including a closed head trauma, fractures, herniated discs, and hearing loss. Walls underwent several surgeries and was unable to return to work, resulting in an estimated $1.8 million in lost earning capacity. The lawsuit alleged negligence by several construction and steel fabrication companies. The case settled for $2.5 million, including a waiver of an $803,000 workers’ compensation lien.

$1.75 Million Settlement for Infant with Total Hearing Loss from Birth Injury

Kiona Hill-Chaney gave birth at Cook County Hospital after more than 26 hours of labor. Despite signs of fetal distress, her doctors delayed delivery. Her daughter, Jameal, was born in poor condition and later diagnosed with complete bilateral hearing loss due to brain damage affecting the eighth cranial nerve. The plaintiffs sued for medical malpractice, arguing that earlier delivery would have prevented the injury. The defense disputed causation, but the parties agreed to a $1.75 million settlement for loss of a normal life and the lifelong impact of permanent hearing damage.

Why You Need Legal Representation

Hearing loss often develops gradually and may not be diagnosed until the damage is irreversible. Whether it’s caused by long-term exposure to harmful noise levels at work, medical malpractice, or an accident, proving liability can be difficult without the proper support. These cases often rely on evidence from audiologists, ENTs, and detailed medical records and workplace safety documentation. 

A top hearing loss attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can gather the right evidence and handle both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. With our legal team on your side, you don’t have to take on this complicated process alone.

How Common Is Hearing Loss in Chicago?

According to IDHHC, an estimated 395,475 Chicagoans–roughly one in seven people–live with some form of hearing loss. Of those, more than 85,000 are considered deaf.

Since 2020, OSHA has documented two incidents in Chicago where workers suffered hearing damage.

Where Do Accidents Leading to Loss of Hearing Occur Most Often in Chicago?

In Chicago, many people suffer from hearing loss in environments where harmful noise is constant and protective measures are often lacking. Manufacturing facilities on the South and West Sides are common sites of occupational hearing loss, where loud machinery and ototoxic chemicals put workers at risk. 

Construction sites in areas like downtown and Fulton Market also see frequent work injuries, especially when workers aren’t given proper ear protection. At CTA maintenance yards, employees are regularly exposed to harmful noise levels during bus and train repairs. Even music venues, nightclubs, and large event spaces can cause permanent hearing loss when loud noises exceed recommended thresholds.

What Laws Govern Hearing Loss Claims in Chicago?

The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) provides benefits to employees who suffer hearing loss due to work injuries or long-term exposure to hazardous noise levels.

The Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows for the allocation of fault in a personal injury case where more than one party’s actions have contributed to the hearing loss.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202), victims typically have two years from the date they suffered hearing loss or discovered it to file a personal injury claim.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), Illinois workers have three years from the date of the injury or two years from the last payment of benefits—whichever is later—to file a hearing loss workers’ compensation claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Hearing Loss in Chicago?

Liability for hearing loss in Chicago depends on how the injury occurred. At the workplace, your employer may be responsible through a workers’ comp claim. If faulty hearing protection or a defective product caused the damage, the manufacturer could be held liable. 

In auto accidents, a negligent driver may be responsible for the injuries leading to hearing loss. Property owners may be liable if unsafe conditions on their premises caused the injury. Medical providers can also face medical malpractice claims for failing to treat ear infections.

Common Defenses in Hearing Loss Cases

Defendants often argue that the condition was age-related or the result of a pre-existing medical condition. We counter this by using audiograms, medical history, and expert testimony to show an apparent change in hearing ability linked to a specific incident or exposure. They may also claim that the hearing loss happened outside of work or was unrelated to their actions; for example, blaming recreational noise exposure instead of work injuries or negligence. 

We present detailed evidence–such as workplace noise measurements, job duties, and witness statements–to prove a direct connection to occupational exposure or another person’s negligence. The defense may try to assign blame to the injured person, citing Illinois’ Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). We show that any shared responsibility is minimal or nonexistent.

How to Strengthen Your Chicago Hearing Loss Case

To strengthen your case in Chicago, start by getting a complete evaluation from a licensed audiologist or ENT to confirm the extent and cause of the damage. Document all work environments, including specific tasks, noise exposure levels, and any hearing protection provided. Keep detailed records of medical treatments, including hearing devices, therapy, and related medical bills.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to handle complex hearing loss claims in Chicago. Our team thoroughly investigates the cause of your hearing loss, whether from workplace exposure, an auto accident, or medical malpractice. 

We work closely with audiologists, ENTs, and occupational safety experts to build strong evidence for your case. Whether you’re pursuing a personal injury or a workers’ comp claim, we handle all communication with insurers and won’t hesitate to take your case to court in Cook County if needed.

FAQs

How much does a Chicago hearing loss attorney cost?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago hearing loss attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Can I file both a hearing loss workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?

Yes, if a third party–like a contractor or equipment manufacturer–contributed to your work-related hearing loss, you may be able to file both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit.

How do I prove negligence?

Proving negligence requires audiological testing, expert opinions, and safety documentation to connect your injury to negligence. Common medical tests include audiograms, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and auditory brainstem response (ABR).

Will my settlement cover the cost of hearing aids for life?

Settlements often include the cost of hearing devices, maintenance, and future replacements. If your hearing loss is permanent, we seek compensation that reflects long-term needs, including the possible need for cochlear implants or updated devices over time.

How long do hearing loss claims take to resolve?

Hearing loss claims can take several months to over a year, depending on whether it’s a workers’ compensation or a personal injury case. Factors include medical evaluations, insurance negotiations, and whether litigation is required in court.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered hearing loss due to someone else’s negligence, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. From our Chicago office, we provide local representation for clients throughout the state. 

Whether your hearing loss was caused by a workplace injury, accident, or medical negligence, our Chicago personal injury team is ready to help you move forward and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Chicago, Decatur, Schaumburg, Rockford and throughout Illinois.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.