Vision Impairment Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Vision loss or impairment can have a huge impact on the way you live your life. When your vision loss is related to your work and has resulted from conditions in the workplace, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Loss of vision can mean you are no longer able to perform daily activities or return to your job. While some vision impairment may be temporary, long term exposure to workplace conditions may result in a permanent loss of vision. Your workers’ compensation insurance should provide you benefits that will compensate you for loss of wages or earning potential as well as cover your medical expenses.

Causes of Vision Loss
Vision loss can be caused by long term exposure to light, chemicals getting into your eyes, accidents that injure the brain, face, or eyes, and scar tissue from an accident at work. Any of these issues can cause some vision impairment or total blindness.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident
After experiencing an accident at work relating to your vision you should immediately report the injury to your employer. You will need to get medical attention and get a doctor’s opinion regarding the severity of your injury and the impact that it will have, and how the injury came about. Getting an opinion from a doctor who you trust is important and it is important that you document each step of the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. You should also contact a workers’ compensation attorney who can help advocate for you, protect your rights, and make sure that you get the benefits that you deserve.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The amount of workers’ compensation you can receive is determined by the wages you earned prior to the injury and the severity of the injury. It is important to discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can take into account the workers’ compensation laws in your state. The amount of time you have worked for your employer can also affect the amount of the benefits you receive, and your age can be a factor as well.
Vision loss qualifies you as either partially or totally disabled. Partial disability indicates that you are still able to work in some capacity, though you may be unable to return to your previous job. Total disability means you are unable to perform any work. The degree to which you are disabled will play a part in the amount of compensation you receive.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workers’ compensation lawyers understand the current laws regarding workers’ comp in your state, and how to get you the full benefits to which you are entitled. With many injuries insurance companies will deny a claim, citing the injury is part of the natural aging process or is caused by a preexisting condition. This is why it is especially important to get the opinion of a doctor you trust, and a second opinion if necessary. Working with a workers’ compensation attorney right from the start will give you the best chance of getting your full workers’ compensation benefits as soon as possible and making sure that all of your medical expenses are covered.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James M. Hoffmann
James Hoffmann has practiced workers compensation law for over 20 years, possessing the negotiating skills, trial experience, medical knowledge and insurance acumen to confidently pursue full compensation for every client. The Law Firm of James M. Hoffmann represents clients throughout the State of Missouri and in the greater St. Louis area.

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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.