N.J. Firefighters File Suit Over 'Irreversible' Hearing Loss

Thirty-four firefighters have filed a lawsuit against six companies saying that sirens caused "irreversible" hearing loss. 

The lawsuit was removed from N.J. State Superior Court and filed in federal court, citing that the firefighters have "suffered irreversible hearing loss and a permanent decrease of their hearing." 

The Star Ledger reports that apparatus manufacturers American LaFrance LLC, Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp., Mack Trucks Inc., Pierce Manufacturing Inc. and Seagrave Fire Apparatus LLC were named. Siren manufacturer Federal Signal Corp. was also named in the suit. 

The suit says that the manufacturers did not develop a means for safe sound levels on fire apparatus.

The current and former firefighters are from Bayonne, Cranford, Elizabeth, Kearny, Linden, Ridgewood, Union, and West New York and each is seeking $150,000.

The suit was filed by a firm that also filed suits on behalf of 200 New York firefighters against the same companies.