Eye Injury Claims And Florida Workers’ Compensation
Eye injuries occur with frequency in many types of jobs, and some types of eye injuries result in partial or total blindness. According to a report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), “eye injuries are surprisingly common and expensive” at American worksites. In many cases, eye injuries can be prevented with proper safety equipment, such as safety goggles or glasses, yet some types of eye injuries result from strain and other forms of trauma. If you suffered a traumatic eye injury at work, or if you have experienced significant eye strain over a period of time as a result of your job duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. One of our experienced South Florida workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you.
How Do Eye Injuries Occur on the Job?
How do most eye injuries happen on the job in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in South Florida? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are the most common causes of eye injuries that happen at workplaces:
- Small particles or objects striking or scraping an eye, which can include dust, wood chips, metal slivers, and cement chips;
- Objects penetrating an eye, such as nails or staples, as well as slivers of wood or metal;
- Burns to the eyes from chemicals or clearing products; and
- Eye diseases from exposure.
Learning More About Workplace Eye Injuries
As the AAO report explains, eye injuries have actually become more common among workers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of masks fogging up safety glasses and goggles. It is extremely important to ensure that you are able to see through your safety glasses or goggles, and that you do not remove them. Data is still being collected when it comes to recent eye injuries risks on the job since the start of the pandemic and the return to most workplaces.
How often do eye injuries occur at work in general? On an annual basis, the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that approximately 20,000 eye injuries occur on the job, and most of those injuries result in at least one missed workday. According to the AAO, “these injuries range from simple eye strain to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss, and blindness.” In total, eye injuries from workplace accidents result in economic costs of about $300 million every year when taking into account medical care, lost workdays, and workers’ compensation benefits.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Eye Injuries
If you hurt one or both of your eyes at work, it is extremely important to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, but within 30 days at the most. Under Florida workers’ compensation law, you may be eligible to receive up to 80 percent of your lost wages if an eye injury results in blindness, and you also may be eligible for permanent impairment benefits depending upon the severity of your eye injury.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers can provide you with more information about eye injuries and workers’ compensation claims in Florida today. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more about seeking compensation for your losses and getting the medical care you need. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for more information.
Resource:
aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-work
