Whether a cleaning product splashes in your eye or the wind blows the wrong way and sends a spray of sharp particles directly towards your face, workplace eye injuries can resulted in partial or complete vision loss.
At The Law Office of Matthew Russell, we understand that no sum of money can reverse the unfortunate series of events that led to a workplace eye injury. However, workers’ compensation can offset the costs of recovery. Workers’ comp offers benefits that will pay for all medical expenses related to vision loss, a portion of lost income, and compensation for any permanent disability suffered because of the injury.
WORKPLACE EYE INJURIES
While most workers’ compensation stories focus on major accidents like traffic collisions and deadly chemical exposures, eye injuries and vision loss are quite common in the workplace. In fact, they make up 45 percent of head injuries that result in days away from work. The eyes are the only exposed organ and one of the most sensitive body parts, making them an easy target for injury whether you work in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, or in front of a computer.
Workplace eye injuries can range from minor eye strain to severe trauma that results in permanent vision loss or blindness. Common causes for work eye injuries include:
- Metal, glass, and dust particles that are ejected by tools or blown by the wind and scratch the eye
- Nails, staples, or wood that can penetrate through the eyeball and cause permanent vision loss
- Chemical splashes from cleaning products or industrial solvents that can cause permanent damage to one or both eyes
- Thermal burns from welding equipment that can damage workers’ eyes and surrounding tissues
- Trauma to the face surrounding the eye due to a worker running into or otherwise coming into contact with a blunt object
- Exposure to diseases and blood-borne pathogens in a healthcare setting through blood splashes, vomit, and other bodily fluids
- Exposure to smoke or poisonous gases that can cause irritation, burning, and vision loss
- Constantly looking at a computer screen without taking breaks can fatigue the eyes and lead to eye strain
WORKERS’ COMP FOR AN EYE INJURY
As long as your eye injury happened at work performing duties related to your job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to collect benefits for your loss. Workers’ comp for an eye injury includes payments for all related medical expenses and temporary disability benefits that will cover a portion of your lost income while you’re off the job. If you suffer permanent vision loss that will impact your future earning potential, you can collect additional compensation in the form of permanent disability benefits.
Unfortunately, many claims adjusters try to deny cases related to workplace eye injuries. They may argue that your eye injury was not caused by your job duties, or that you were behaving recklessly on the job. It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to assert that your eye injury was caused by a pre-existing condition, heredity, age, or another reason unrelated to work. Because claims adjusters can make it difficult for an injured employee to collect workers’ comp for an eye injury, it’s smart to involve a workers’ comp attorney who can help you build a strong case and fight on your behalf.
HAVE YOU SUFFERED A WORKPLACE EYE INJURY? CALL A WORKERS’ COMP ATTORNEY TODAY
If you recently injured your eye at work and are preparing to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, you’re probably wondering, “How much can I claim for my eye injury?” The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of the injury, your age and occupation, and how long you are affected as a result of the trauma.
At The Law Office of Matthew Russell, our primary goal is to defend your right to workers’ compensation and help you maximize your benefits. When you work with one of our attorneys, there are no upfront costs or hidden fees. Our payment comes as a small percentage of your settlement, which means we only get paid if you do.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation.