- Workers' Compensation
When workplace injuries are discussed, the focus is often on major accidents such as vehicle accidents. Eye injuries only get discussed as a side note. This could be because it only constitutes a tiny part of the number of recorded workplace injuries.
This article discusses eye injuries in the workplace, what causes them, and what compensation you can get for them. If you’ve sustained an eye injury while at work, you would need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2,000 Americans sustain eye injuries at work daily. That’s almost a million people who suffer an eye injury at work. While eye injuries can happen at any workplace, some industries are more likely to have eye injuries than others. Welding, construction, mining, and manufacturing frequently see eye injuries. People who work in sectors with high exposure to flying objects, liquid chemicals, acids, or metals could also get eye injuries.
How to Prevent an Eye Injury
It would be difficult not to have an eye injury in the workplace. However, steps can be taken to ensure that they do not occur. Preventive measures reduce the number of accidents and show the employees that they are essential. Consequently, it could improve employee productivity. This section covers some of the steps that can be taken to prevent workplace eye injuries.
Use Protective Gear
While working, wearing protective gear could prevent eye injuries, especially in industries with high injury rates. Using protective equipment is, however, not the end. Workers must also wear the right gear. If a protective gear does not suit you or has some defects, it is important that you bring it to the management’s attention. Don’t stay quiet and accept it as it could harm you or another person.
Test for Eye Defects
Not all eye injuries are a result of negligence. They can often be caused by eye defects. Ensure that you carry out the appropriate eye tests. That way, you know what your limits are and if you can work in some places.
What to Do After an Eye Injury
What you do after an eye injury at work is essential. This section deals with what you should do if you have an eye injury at work.
Get Medical Attention
Visit a doctor as soon as you have an eye injury at work. The eye is a bit more sensitive than other parts of the body. Therefore, one needs to make sure that any wound to the eye is treated immediately. Also, do your best to follow all the instructions given to you by your doctor. Often, your employer may ask that you consult a doctor of their choice.
Report to Your Employer
Let your employer know about your injury as soon as possible. This is important for two reasons. The first is that it puts it on the record that you were injured. The second is that it allows them to set preventive measures for the future. Most times, after reporting to your employer, you may be asked to fill out an injury record.
After you have reported a work injury to your employers, they will commence the process of workers’ compensation. However, note that they may accept your claim that the injury happened at work or reject it. If they reject it, contact a Florida work comp lawyer immediately.
How Much Can I Claim for an Eye Injury at Work?
While there are no preferable injuries, eye injuries can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. As a result, some people become depressed or even get suicidal in some cases.
The workers’ compensation you will get for an eye injury at work would be a bit similar to what you’ll get for any other work injury. Typically, your compensation would cover lost wages, physical therapy, medical bills, and any other bills that could come up while you’re being treated. In addition, whether the eye injury causes a temporary or physical disability affects the compensation sum.
Get a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Your Eye Injury
Eye injuries are often severe and could have long-term implications. As a result, you may choose to focus on your recovery instead of chasing your workers’ compensation claim. However, you can focus on your treatment while our workers’ comp lawyers work on your workers’ compensation claim. We would provide you with the legal assistance you need while occasionally helping out with other needs. Contact Work Injury Rights today to get started.
