Workplace Eye Injuries Can Be Painful, Costly to Treat

If you suffered an eye injury while on the job, talk to a New York City workers’ comp lawyer

Approximately 2,000 work-related eye injuries happen daily in the United States, and about 9 out of every 10 are preventable. In addition, eye injuries are some of the most painful injuries a person can endure, which is why wearing appropriate eye protection is so important when you’re on the job.

While most workplace eye injuries are painful, they can also be expensive. In New York, injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and, in some cases, a claim against a negligent third party.

The New York workers’ compensation system also has Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) awards for permanent injuries, including loss of sight and facial disfigurement.

If you sustained an eye injury at work, it’s important to understand your legal options. At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, our New York workers’ compensation lawyers take pride in helping injured workers find their way forward after a serious work accident. To learn more about how our attorneys can help you, contact our law firm today.

Eye injuries at work

Like all injuries, work-related eye injuries can range from minor to severe. Severe eye injuries can leave workers with vision problems or permanent vision loss.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three common ways employees injure their eyes while on the job:

• Scrapes: Objects and small particles can quickly strike or scrape the eyes if the worker isn’t wearing eye protection. Dust, cement chips, metal slivers, and wood chips can be released from tools, fall from above, and be blown by the wind directly into the eye. Larger objects can also impact the eye and eye socket, causing severe injury.
• Penetration: Sharp objects such as nails, slivers of metal and wood, and staples can strike and penetrate the eye. Such eye injuries often result in the victim permanently losing their vision.
• Chemical and thermal burns: Open flames, explosions, and extremely hot objects are hazardous to the eyes. In addition, acids, cleaning supplies, and industrial chemicals can cause serious eye injuries that put victims at risk of infection and vision loss.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says construction workers, welders, industrial and manufacturing workers, carpenters, electricians, auto mechanics, maintenance workers, plumbers, and miners are among the occupations most prone to eye injuries.

How much does an eye injury cost?

According to Occupation Health and Safety (OHS), some eye injuries that result in vision loss can cost up to $76,000 to treat.

In addition, if the eye injury requires surgical removal, you could face medical bills of over $100,000. On top of that, you may have follow-up appointments and a lengthy recovery period ahead.

Fortunately, in New York, injured workers have the right to seek workers’ compensation to cover related medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages, but that doesn’t mean they always get the benefits they deserve.

Call a New York workers’ compensation attorney today

At the Law Offices of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the system and find your way forward.

If you suffered an eye injury in New York City or anywhere in New York, learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.