Nov. 5, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Louisiana Judge James H. Boddie, Jr. has ruled that claims by a group of workers suffering from noise-induced hearing loss were filed on time, announced Baron & Budd, P.C. These workers suffered gradual hearing loss because of their work for Olin Corporation and/or Graphic Packaging International, Inc., which operated the same paper and box plant at different times. Because the hearing loss occurred slowly and insidiously, it was hard for workers to recognize the symptoms until they were very advanced. Baron & Budd attorneys convinced the court that the time period for filing claims was delayed—or tolled—until the workers knew about their hearing loss and its cause.

The companies’ poor hearing conservation program contributed to the time it took workers to recognize their hearing loss. The companies did not consistently provide and require the use of hearing protection. Hearing tests were not performed consistently, and the results were not adequately explained to employees.

Based on the court’s ruling, the lawsuits will move forward, and Baron & Budd can continue to fight for fair compensation for these workers.

“The companies’ own executive acknowledged that the hearing conservation program was deficient,” says Burton LeBlanc, Louisiana native and Baron & Budd shareholder. “These companies failed their workers, and they need to take responsibility now for the damage that failure caused.”

According to some estimates, approximately 30 million Americans suffer high-intensity occupational noise exposure, which puts them at risk for hearing loss. Unfortunately, many workers are unaware that such noise exposure can damage their hearing. Learn more about noise-induced hearing loss on Baron & Budd’s website.