A Guide to Eye Injury & Vision Loss Workers' Comp Settlements in Illinois

How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim for an Eye Injury or Vision Loss in Illinois

Suffering an eye injury at work can be overwhelming, especially if it impacts your ability to see or perform your job. In Illinois, the workers’ compensation system provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured on the job. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a claim if you’ve experienced an eye injury or vision loss at work:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage and provide medical documentation for your claim.
2. Notify Your Employer: Inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Under Illinois law, you must notify your employer within 45 days of the accident to remain eligible for benefits.
3. Document the Incident: Write down the details of how the injury occurred, when it happened, and who witnessed it. Save any medical records, injury reports, or correspondence related to your case.
4. File a Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC): Although your employer should report the injury to their insurance provider, you may also file an official claim directly with the IWCC. This protects your right to benefits if any disputes arise.
5. Follow Up on Medical Treatment: Continue treatment with your approved healthcare provider. Make sure to attend all appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions to show that you’re taking your recovery seriously.
6. Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Eye injuries can lead to permanent impairment. An experienced Illinois workers’ comp attorney can help ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to and represent you if your claim is denied or disputed.
7. Receive Your Benefits: Once your claim is accepted, you may begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits. These can include coverage for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability payments. The type and amount of compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your eye injury and whether it leads to temporary or permanent vision loss.

Eye Injury & Vision Loss Compensation You May Be Entitled to

If you’ve suffered an eye injury or vision loss on the job in Illinois, you may be eligible for several types of compensation through workers’ compensation benefits. The amount and duration of these benefits typically depend on the severity of your injury, the degree of vision loss, and how it impacts your ability to work.

Common types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses – Coverage for doctor visits, emergency care, surgeries, prescription medications, vision therapy, and other treatments related to your eye injury.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Wage replacement benefits if you’re unable to work while recovering from your injury.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Partial wage benefits if you can return to work with restrictions or fewer hours during your recovery.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Compensation for permanent vision loss or lasting impairment, even if you can return to work in some capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If the injury results in total blindness or prevents you from working altogether, you may qualify for ongoing wage benefits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – Support for job retraining or education if you cannot return to your previous role.
• Disfigurement Benefits – Additional compensation may be available if the injury causes visible scarring or permanent damage to the eye or surrounding area.

What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for an Eye Injury?

The average workers’ comp settlement for an eye injury can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the need for ongoing treatment, and how much the injury affects your ability to work. Minor injuries like corneal abrasions or chemical irritation may result in smaller settlements, while more serious trauma—such as a foreign object penetration or orbital fracture—can lead to higher compensation. In Illinois, settlements typically reflect medical costs, lost wages, and any lasting impairment, with some cases ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.

What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for Vision Loss?

Vision loss settlements tend to be significantly higher due to the long-term impact on a person’s life and ability to work. Partial vision loss in one eye may still lead to substantial compensation, while total blindness—especially if it affects both eyes—can result in a permanent total disability classification. In Illinois, the value of these settlements depends on the extent of the loss, the worker’s average weekly wage, and the estimated level of permanent impairment, with some cases exceeding $100,000 or more.

Vision Loss Injury Workers’ Comp Attorneys You Can Trust

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 we 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.

How Vision Loss Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help with Your Eye Injury Settlement

A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can guide you through the process and help you pursue the full settlement you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how an attorney can support your case:

• Evaluate the Full Value of Your Claim – An attorney can assess all factors of your injury to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
• Gather and Present Medical Evidence – Lawyers work with medical professionals to compile strong documentation proving the extent and cause of your eye injury or vision loss.
• Handle Communication with Insurers – Your attorney can manage all discussions with the workers’ compensation insurance company to prevent misstatements or lowball settlement offers.
• Navigate Disputes and Appeals – If your claim is denied or undervalued, an experienced lawyer can file an appeal and represent you at hearings.
• Protect You from Retaliation – Legal representation helps ensure your rights are protected if your employer challenges your claim or retaliates against you for filing.
• Advocate for Long-Term Needs – Attorneys consider the long-term impact of partial or total vision loss and fight for appropriate benefits.
• Offer Peace of Mind – Having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side allows you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal process.