Eye injuries sustained in the workplace can have devastating consequences, potentially leading to partial or complete vision loss. If you’ve suffered an eye injury on the job in Charlotte, it’s critical to have a skilled Charlotte workplace eye injury lawyer on your side to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Let our attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler give you the answers you need. We have experience dealing with these complicated cases. You deserve maximum damages for your eye injury. Often, this involves medical treatment, lost wages, and an adjustment to your lifestyle after an eye injury. We can secure all that you are entitled to.
When you choose Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, you’re choosing a firm with a strong record of successfully representing clients with eye injuries in North Carolina. We recognize the emotional and financial toll that comes from your vision being damaged or lost. That’s why we are dedicated to securing compensation that supports your recovery and adjustment to life post-injury. Our team prioritizes your personal needs while aggressively pursuing an ideal outcome for your case.
Injuries to the eyes at work can result from multiple hazards that are often preventable. Common ocular injuries include foreign object injuries (dust, metal shavings, wood particles) that can lead to ocular irritation or corneal abrasion.
Chemical burns to the eyes (notably, those from toxic fuels) can be severe and require immediate medical care. Blunt trauma eye injuries are caused by blunt impacts – such as objects or equipment falling on a worker – swelling or fracturing the tissues or bones around the eye. Cataracts can occur from exposure to harmful radiation, such as UV or infrared light, which can be associated with serious eye injuries.
Understanding these common injuries emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and appropriate protective gear to safeguard workers’ vision.
Workplaces have a legal responsibility to cultivate an environment that protects their workers’ eyes from harm. That responsibility consists of conducting regular risk assessments, furnishing proper safety gear, and training workers to wear protective eyewear correctly.
If the employer does not fulfill these duties and the worker is injured in their eye, the employer can be deemed responsible for the injury. By learning these legal obligations, employees can make themselves safer and make sure that employers hold themselves accountable for keeping employees safe.
With this aim to promote safe work conditions in mind, it is undoubtedly important for workplace training aimed at eye safety to be mandatory, especially in high-risk environments. Such programs can inform employees of the potential hazards they face at work, the correct usage of safety goggles, and the need to maintain a clear working space.
Periodic training sessions can reinforce safety policies and encourage workers to report any potential hazards. By developing a safety culture, workplace eye injuries can be minimized. Employees who have been made aware of the dangers are far more likely to take greater personal responsibility for their safety as well.
From the first diagnosis through the ongoing treatment of occupational eye injuries, medical specialists are indispensable. Their assessments are crucial in proving the causal relationship between an injury and its occurrence on the job for workers’ compensation cases.
Claims must be backed by medical paperwork that describes the injury’s extent, treatment plans, and any ongoing care needs. In addition, medical professionals can determine what kind of treatment will be required in the future by providing information on the injury’s potential long-term effects. When wounded workers know what to expect from doctors and hospitals, they can more effectively fight for the care they need and the compensation they deserve.
A: Some common occupational eye injuries include foreign objects entering the eye, chemical burns, blunt trauma, and radiation exposure. Foreign bodies like dust, metal, or wood can damage the cornea, leading to irritation or abrasions. Chemical splashes may cause acid or alkaline burns that severely harm eye tissue.
Blunt trauma from falling objects or machinery can result in swelling, fractures, or internal bleeding. Prolonged exposure to UV or infrared radiation increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as cataracts.
A: A worker who loses an eye on the job usually qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits in Charlotte, NC, which can include medical care, partial or total wage replacement, and/or compensation to reimburse the worker for permanent partial disability. The loss of an eye is considered a severe injury, and compensation may be adjusted to reflect the long-term impact on the employee’s ability to work and their quality of life.
A: To prevent eye injuries in the workplace, safety goggles, face shields, and other suitable eyewear should be worn, depending on the job’s hazards. If the work environment requires the use of eye-protective gear, employers are obligated to inspect the working space and determine the risks. In turn, employees should be provided with the right eyewear.
Additionally, regularly cleaning the work environment and adhering to safety protocols can reduce the risk of workplace eye injuries.
A: No matter how small an eye injury may appear, it is imperative that you get medical assistance quickly. Never rub an eye that has been impacted by a foreign object. Instead, rinse the affected eye with water or a saline solution. Do not delay in seeking medical attention after experiencing a chemical burn. Instead, rinse the affected eye with plenty of water. Acting quickly can stop additional harm and lessen the likelihood of permanent visual issues.
Your vision is invaluable, so it is not surprising that an eye injury can damage your whole life. Getting the treatment you require and the financial support to deal with the consequences of your injury shouldn’t be an additional hurdle, but, unfortunately, it can be.
Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can help you. Contact us for a consultation so we can explore your options and provide the legal support you deserve during this difficult time.