Work-Related Eye Injury Lawyer

San Francisco Work-Related Eye Injury Attorney

If you work certain manual jobs, you may be prone to injuries or accidents that may not be prevalent in other professions. Luckily, California has relatively strong labor laws that protect workers’ rights to compensation in the case of a work-related injury. Injuries can happen at any time, and if you sustain an eye injury in particular, it may be time to consult with a San Francisco work-related eye injury lawyer.

Common Work Accidents

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 439 fatal work-related injuries in California in 2023 and over 5,000 nationwide. This data shows that work injuries are serious, and the workers who endure them should be handled with care and compassion. At Bufete Bridges, our worker’s compensation lawyers are equipped to extend that compassion while fighting ardently for your client’s rights.

The most common work accidents reported in California in 2023 were transportation incidents. This includes both traffic accidents involving work vehicle aircraft and injuries sustained while operating or working on a work vehicle. However, there are many work accidents that may result in injuries, and they include:

• Assaults and other violent acts, including homicide and suicide
• Incendios y explosiones
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Exposure to animals
• Slips, falls, and trips
• Being hit by an object
• Being struck by falling equipment

Common Work Injuries

How Eye Injuries Occur at Work

Eye injuries are actually relatively common work-related injuries. A 2023 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that eye injuries comprise over 30,000 work-related injuries resulting in days missed from work. Work-related eye injuries can range from minor, such as eye strain, to major, such as loss of one or both eyes.

Certain jobs are more of a hazard for eye injuries than others. For example, you may get eye strain from staring at a computer screen too long, but you may lose your eye if you work with heavy machinery, especially if you do not wear protective gear. Common eye injury hazards include:

• Shards of metal or glass that may fly into your eye
• A tool slipping out of your hand and hitting your eye
• Wood particles, metal shavings, or other small objects
• Welding or chemical spatter
• Eye injuries from slips and falls

If you are involved in any of the aforementioned accidents, you could sustain serious eye injuries. Below are some of the eye injuries you may sustain at work:

• Eye strain
• A black eye
• Bleeding in one or both eyes
• Corneal abrasions
• Foreign objects in the eyes
• Vision loss
• Loss of one or both eyes

Workers’ Compensation in California

If your eye injury happened at work, you may be eligible for compensation. Pursuant to California Labor Code 3700, all employers, except those without employees, are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, your chances of receiving benefits are high, but in some cases, your employer may dispute or deny your claim, which could delay benefits. In that case, you should consult with a lawyer.

The exact amount you receive depends on factors such as the severity and extent of your injuries, your level of fault in the accident, whether the employer’s willful misconduct contributed to your injuries, your age, and other factors covered in Codes 4550-4856.

What Might My Settlement Include?

An adequate workers’ compensation settlement should cover all expenses related to your case. Specifically, this includes medical expenses, vouchers for retraining, temporary disability to cover loss of income, permanent disability if you are unable to work again, and death benefits in certain cases.

You should act fast if you are facing a work injury. After seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to your employer, your next step should be contacting a lawyer who can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Many claims involve a hearing, and you may want representation to achieve the most positive outcomes.

FAQs About Work-Related Eye Injury Law in SanFrancisco,CA

How Much Compensation for an Eye Injury at Work?

How much compensation you may get for an eye injury at work depends on your specific situation. If your injuries are minor, you may only be compensated for medical expenses and for the days you missed work due to the injury. However, if your eye injuries are substantial, your compensation may also be substantial. For instance, if you lose an eye, you could receive temporary disability or even permanent disability.

How Much Does an Injury Lawyer Cost?

The cost of your lawyer depends on the specifics of your case. If the insurance company denies your claim, for example, you may have to fight your case in court. In this case, the lawyer’s fees may be higher because the case requires more billable hours. Your lawyer’s skill and experience also play a part in their cost. The cost of a lawyer far outweighs the cost of not receiving compensation in the event of a serious injury.

How Do Eye Injuries Happen at Work?

You can injure your eye in a variety of ways depending on your occupation. For example, if you are a welder and do not wear protective gear, spatter may get into your eye, causing eye injuries or vision loss.  Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards. You may also be injured if you are hit in the eye with a flying object or if you injure your eye due to a slip-and-fall accident.

What Is the Most Common Eye Injury in the Workplace?

Small particles like wood or dust that fly into the eye are probably the most common workplace eye injuries. Construction workers, woodworkers, and warehouse workers may be most prone to these types of injuries. These injuries can range in severity from irritation, stinging, and burning to soft tissue damage or scratches.

Don’t Hesitate to Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At Bridges Law Firm, we revel in helping working people earn the compensation they deserve. Your eyes are probably one of the most used organs in your body, so any injuries sustained may be highly disruptive. Therefore, if you sustain an eye injury or any other injury at work, do not hesitate to contact us to learn how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim.