Your Rights After an Eye Injury and Vision Loss at Work: Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Explains
Eye injuries are a common work-related injury. According to the CDC, approximately 2,000 workers suffer a work-related eye injury every year, with about one-third (1/3) of those workers requiring emergency medical treatment. Of these eye injuries, roughly 10-20% will result in some type of temporary or permanent loss of vision. That means that eye injuries are also a common cause of permanent disability in work-related accidents too. Individuals who sustain eye injuries and vision loss should call an experienced worker injury lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, like ours.
At Saffren & Weinberg, our bodily injury law firm handles personal injury cases and workers’ comp matters for various serious or catastrophic injuries, including eye injuries. When these eye injuries at work result in permanent disability and vision loss, we know that victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for their damages. If you suffered a work-related eye injury, call our experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, to schedule a FREE consultation to learn what your rights to compensation may be under the law.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries and Vision Loss from Work-Related Accidents
There are many common causes of eye injuries that could be caused at work. In general, laborers or individuals who work at factories, manufacturing plants, and warehouses are more likely to suffer eye injuries than individuals such as office workers. However, that does not mean that office workers cannot also sustain eye injuries.
Some of the most common causes of eye injuries resulting in vision loss include the following:
- Striking accidents – when a shaving or piece of debris flies off and hits the eye, such as a metal shaving or wood splinter
- Scraping accidents – when the eye is hit by an object that scrapes across it and causes damage
- Penetrating injuries – when a larger object like a nail or large splinter flies into the eye and punctures it
- Thermal burns – when heat from steam or fire causes damage to the eyes
- Chemical burns – when fumes or spray of chemicals causes damage to the eyes, and
- Other types of injuries or damage to the eyes at work.
Is Vision Loss Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Yes, vision loss caused by a work-related eye injury such as a striking, scraping, penetrating, thermal, chemical, or other type of accident can be covered under workers’ compensation benefits. Even if it was partially your fault, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system—meaning that fault does not dictate whether or not you get benefits.
Rather, the injury must be work-related. If you can establish that the eye injury and loss of vision were work-related, you may be entitled to up to two-thirds (2/3s) of lost wages, medical bill reimbursement, and compensation for your permanent vision loss after it has reached maximum medical improvement (known as MMI).
Did You Suffer an Eye Injury At Work? Call Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA for Help
If you suffer any type of eye injury or vision loss due to a work-related accident or illness, call our workers’ comp lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, to learn more about how we can help you recover the WC benefits under Pennsylvania law. Our experienced WC team at Saffren & Weinberg has handled many types of catastrophic injuries and disabilities, including eye injuries and vision loss. We offer a FREE consultation to review your claim and rights. Schedule your appointment by dialing (215) 576-0100 or by using our “contact us” box to send us a message.
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with Saffren & Weinberg, we are not your legal representatives.