In an opinion issued by the Louisiana Supreme Court yesterday, the court found that gradual noise induced hearing loss caused by occupational exposure to hazardous noise levels is a personal injury by accident or an occupational disease, or both, under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act.  Thus, Employers who are sued for gradual noise induced hearing loss caused by occupational exposure cannot be sued in tort (general civil law) and can only be sued under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act.  The entire opinion can be found here:  http://cases.justia.com/louisiana/supreme-court/2015-2013-c-2878.pdf?ts=1430852533

Should you or someone you know suffer from gradual noise induced hearing loss caused by an occupational exposure to hazardous noise levels, please consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to be advised of your rights.