It's time for - The Police Association Victoria

Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a hidden injury that affects the daily
activities of many people, not just the elderly.
Police Association members are
particularly at risk of suffering
hearing loss because of the nature
of the duties you are required
to perform on a regular basis,
such as participating in firearms training,
exposure to sirens from emergency services
vehicles and attendance at critical events.
Hearing loss causes numerous difficulties
for sufferers, including problems
communicating on the telephone and in
social situations. In particular, it can remove
the ability of the sufferer to distinguish
conversations and therefore impact on
his or her capacity to participate in group
activities and functions.
Severe or profound hearing loss can make
even the most simple of tasks, such as
buying an item in the shop, confusing,
complicated and distressing.
Of note, a person with hearing loss will often
be unaware of the extent or level of that
loss. As there is no sudden change, people
may not become aware of the problem until
it is severe enough to cause communication
difficulties. Often it is family, friends and
colleagues who will notice the signs of
hearing loss before the individual.
Slater & Gordon is committed to ensuring
that you obtain full compensation for any
work related hearing loss.
We will provide you with information and
support during the claims process, and
ensure that you obtain your maximum
entitlements.
If you are suffering from work related
hearing loss, you may be entitled to a range
of benefits, including:
> > a lump sum for any permanent hearing
impairment, depending on the level of
permanent injury
> > payments for being unable to work
> > payment for high quality hearing aids
> > maintenance and battery replacement
of hearing aid
These benefits are payable irrespective
of fault.
It is critical that in the early stages of
the claims process you obtain your own
independent legal advice. Workcover
insurers, responsible for compensation
have their own lawyers who advise about
their obligations to pay compensation. They
will not provide you with independent legal
advice, nor will they automatically pay your
full compensation entitlement. By obtaining
independent legal advice, you will be advised
of the total range of benefits available to you
and the process for obtaining these benefits.
If you do not obtain legal advice, you may
not be aware of all the benefits available
to you. It is also important that you gain
an understanding of circumstances in which
lump sum compensation is payable.
Slater & Gordon acts on behalf of Police
Association members on a No Win-No fee
basis in hearing loss claims. If you
think you have suffered hearing loss
as a result of exposure to noise on duty,
contact the Police Association to arrange
a free, no obligation appointment with
Scott Arundell.
Slater & Gordon also have a lawyer visiting
the Police Association offices on a fortnightly
basis if you wish to make an appointment
to speak to them regarding hearing loss or
another legal issue.
24 Protect Represent Support. www.tpav.org.au