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Causes of Work-Related Vision Loss
Vision loss can result either immediately or develop over time. Some of the possible causes of vision loss in the workplace can include long periods of exposure to bright light, exposure to chemicals that get into the eyes, or head injuries resulting from an accident, whether directly to the eyes, the face, or the brain. In any of these instances, partial to total blindness can develop, severely hindering the victim’s ability to return to work with drastic changes in the victim’s life.
Treating Vision Loss
Depending on the cause and the extent of vision loss, treatment may be available to help improve vision. Ophthalmologists may be able to prescribe certain visual aids such as magnifiers. However, developments in restoring vision are still far from being able to help blind patients regain their vision. Physical therapists may be able to help with balance and walking, and they can also teach individuals how to use a cane. In many cases, vision loss can be a traumatic experience, with which social workers or therapists can help.
When You Should File a Claim for Work-Related Vision Loss
Many workers who endure work-related vision loss may worry that their lack of knowledge regarding the filing process may hurt them and their chances at recovering fair compensation, but a reliable attorney will be able to assist with the process every step of the way. In Illinois, you can file with either your employer or the state.
If you want to seek compensation from an employer, you will need to provide a detailed written description to them that accurately and thoroughly describes the injury and its cause within 45 days of the injury, unless the injury developed over time due to repeated exposure. Depending on the report, employers can choose to accept or deny the claim, but will need to explain their decision in their own written description. Should the employer choose to accept the claim, they will be required to provide the employee with benefits and health care access. If they deny the claim, you may still be able to file an appeal to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) to initiate an investigation of the claim along with the employer’s denial.
You can also speed up the filing process by filing directly with the IWCC if you believe your employer is likely to reject your claim in any case. However, you will still be required to provide the IWCC with a detailed written description of the injury and what caused it.
Vision Loss Injury Workers’ Comp Attorneys You Can Trust
Whether you or a loved one’s vision loss resulted from an immediate injury in the workplace or over time because of repeated exposure to harmful elements, there are several concerns you may have including:
- When you will be able to return to work
- How you will be able to support yourself and your family without steady income while out of work
- The amount of compensation you are eligible to recover for your injury through a workers’ comp claim
- When you’ll be able to cover your medical expenses
Here at Vasilatos Injury Law, we’ll work with you to properly file a claim and our team of knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will provide you with some of the best representation available in any out-of-court negotiations. We can also represent our clients in court, if needed. Our attorneys know how important it is for our clients to be able to restore their lives to the way they were prior to the injury and will work with you to get the best possible settlement.
We can help determine how your vision loss has impacted your life, from your financial situation to the ability to return to work, and will help recover the compensation you deserve. We’ll work with you to reach a favorable settlement that helps cover all medical expenses along with any lost income due to time taken off from work to recover.
What Workers’ Comp Covers for Vision Loss
If you sustain any vision loss or another type of injury on the job, you may be able to recover compensation for many different expenses to help you get the treatment you need. Workers’ comp can cover a variety of expenses, including:
- Doctor visits
- Medication
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Medical equipment
Average Settlement for Work-Related Vision Impairment
The amount of compensation you may be able to recover for a work-related vision loss injury will vary depending on the specific nature of the case and injury. The following are some client success stories and the compensation they recovered with the help of our attorneys.
