Eye Injuries and Workers’ Compensation in PA

A Worker with an Eye Injury
Have you suffered a severe eye injury arising from an accident at work? If yes then by the state law of Pennsylvania gives you the right to file for workers’ compensation and get compensated for your injury and losses.

Eye injuries at work are far more common than you might think. Statistics show that over 2000 occupational injuries occur daily across the US. In fact, eye injuries accounted for approximately 3.7 percent of all work-related injuries in Pennsylvania in the year 2017. These injuries are common across various industries. However, employees engaged in plumbing, construction and mechanical work are more prone to eye injuries than other professionals.

An Eye-Injury Can Wreak Havoc in Your Life — Personally and Professionally

Dealing with eye injuries can be extremely frustrating and devastating. There are a number of reasons for that, which includes but is not limited to:

  1. An eye injury can lower your earning capacity, thereby preventing you from earning a decent living again.
  2. Recovering from an eye injury is not just lengthy but also difficult.
  3. You’re likely to feel greater anxiety and experience depression after an eye injury.
  4. In some cases, eye injuries may lead to permanent impairment or the complete loss of sight.
  5. If blindness occurs, you will never be able to see the faces of your loved ones again.

It’s safe to say that all these factors can take a toll on your personal and professional lives. However, fortunately the law offers legal protection and rights to workers with eye injuries. The compensation and benefits that you can receive through the PA workers’ compensation system will provide you with the support that you need to:

  • Pay for your ongoing medical expenses
  • Make up for your lost wages and earning capacity
  • Gain the financial security that you need to move forward with life without experiencing many hardships.

Top Causes of Eye Injuries at Work

Here are the most common causes of eye injuries at work:

• Flying Debris

In many occupations, employees have to perform tasks in an environment where there is flying debris. These include occupations that involve demolition work, engineering and building or brickwork like angle grinding, chiseling, mixing cement with lime and other substances.

When workers performing such duties are not geared properly with protective eyeglasses, they become prone to eye injuries as pieces of flying debris may go into their eyes and cause irreparable damage. The flying doesn’t necessarily have to be large in order to cause an injury as small pieces of grit can scratch the cornea and result in permanent eye damage and loss of vision.

Also, cutting and grinding of metals can sometimes cause heated particles to fly around and enter the eye. Heat can lead to significant eye damage. This type of eye injury is often referred to as a thermal burn.

• Corrosive Chemicals

Employees that have to work with corrosive chemicals are also exposed to a high risk of eye injuries. If they accidentally come in contact with any type of corrosive chemical, it can damage their eyes. Sometimes, chemical fumes can cause side effects, such as slight burning, watery eyes and blindness.

• Falling Objects

Another reason for eye injuries at work is associated with falling objects. If an object hits the eye with sufficient force, it can severely damage it. While pointy objects can pierce through the eyes, blunt objects can also be equally dangerous as they can cause internal bleeding that can further lead to vision loss.

• Radiation

If radiation exceeds the safety limits, it can become extremely harmful for the entire body, including the eyes. Workers who perform outdoor job duties for extended periods of time, especially without any protective eye-wear are at a high risk of being exposed to ultraviolet radiation that exceeds the limit that is considered as safe.

Furthermore, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been linked to numerous eye-related conditions, such as:

  • Reddening of the eyes
  • Excessive watering
  • Dryness
  • Itching
  • Carcinomas

• Allergies

Occupations that entail continuous exposure to flowers, food spices, perfume, detergents and similar types of substances can result in allergic conjunctivitis. It is an allergic reaction that may cause a membrane between the inner eyelids and eyeball to swell. It can further lead to irritation, a burning sensation and pain. The only way to treat this allergic reaction is to remove the irritant from the immediate environment, which is impossible if your work is related to it.

• Tools

Different workplace tools and equipment can cause eye injuries and disorders, such as excessive usage of a computer at work can lead to dryness of the eyes and alter one’s vision. Also, people who work in biology-related labs tend to use radiation lamps to kill bacteria and germs. If they use it for extended hours, they can be exposed to dangerous radiation levels. Overexposure to high radiation levels can do considerable damage to the eyes.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in PA

If you or someone you know has suffered from an eye injury at work, then it is advisable that you contact our workers’ compensation lawyer in PA right away. We can help you navigate the complexities of filing a workers’ compensation claim and recover the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Contact our workers’ compensation lawyer in PA today to discuss your case. With all the information that you provide us, we’ll structure your case with one goal in mind and that is to get you a fair and full compensation amount so that you can move forward with life with financial stability and seek the best treatment for your eye injuries.