Injured On the Job? A Los Angeles Eye Injuries Lawyer Can Help You

Eye injuries can be serious and permanent. Even seemingly minor injuries can require extensive surgery or lead to long-term vision problems. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace eye injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. A Los Angeles eye injury lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group can provide valuable assistance to individuals who have suffered eye injuries. Call us today.

An attorney can help you understand the cause of your injury, the extent of your damages, and your legal rights. They can also negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What Causes Serious Eye Injuries in Workplace Accidents in Los Angeles?

Serious eye injuries in the workplace can occur due to various causes. Here are some common factors that can lead to serious eye injuries:

• Flying Objects: One of the primary causes of eye injuries in the workplace is the impact of flying objects. This can include particles, debris, or tools that are propelled forcefully, such as wood chips, metal fragments, glass shards, or loose materials. These objects can enter the eye and cause damage, ranging from minor scratches to severe trauma.
• Chemicals and Irritants: Exposure to hazardous chemicals or irritants is another significant cause of serious eye injuries. Chemical splashes, fumes, or vapors can cause burns, inflammation, or even permanent damage to the eye. Industries such as manufacturing, laboratories, construction, and cleaning services are particularly prone to these types of injuries.
• Tools and Machinery: Incorrect use or malfunctioning of tools and machinery can result in severe eye injuries. Examples include power tools, grinders, drills, welding equipment, or any machinery that generates sparks, fragments, or releases materials that can harm the eyes if proper safety precautions are not taken.
• Welding and Bright Lights: Welding processes and exposure to intense bright lights, such as lasers or ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can cause serious eye injuries. The intense light emitted during welding can lead to burns on the cornea or retina, known as arc eye or welder’s flash.
• Physical Contact: Accidental physical contact with sharp objects, protruding elements, or edges can cause eye injuries. This can occur during construction work, handling of tools, or any situation where there is a risk of direct impact to the eye.
• Lack of Eye Protection: Failure to use appropriate eye protection, such as safety goggles or face shields, greatly increases the risk of serious eye injuries. Inadequate or improper use of protective gear leaves the eyes vulnerable to various hazards present in the workplace.
• Occupational Hazards: Certain occupations have inherent risks for eye injuries. For example, healthcare workers may face exposure to bloodborne pathogens or infectious materials that can cause eye infections or diseases. Similarly, workers in industries such as agriculture, woodworking, or metalworking may encounter specific hazards that can lead to eye injuries.
• Penetration: Objects like nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal can penetrate the eyeball, causing a permanent loss of vision. This type of injury is severe and requires immediate medical attention.
• Blunt-force trauma: Large objects can strike the eye or face, or a worker may run into an object, causing blunt-force trauma to the eyeball or eye socket.
• Eye diseases: Eye diseases can be transmitted through direct exposure to infectious agents such as blood splashes, droplets from coughing or sneezing, or touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or objects. These diseases can range from minor reddening or soreness to life-threatening conditions like HIV, hepatitis B virus, or avian influenza.

Prevention measures such as wearing personal protective eyewear (goggles, face shields, safety glasses, or full-face respirators) and maintaining a clean and organized workplace can significantly reduce the risk of workplace eye injuries. Employers can also implement engineering controls and conduct hazard assessments to ensure appropriate eye protection and reduce the risk of eye injuries and diseases among workers

Compensation for Eye Injury Claims in Los Angeles

Compensation for eye injury claims in California can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and applicable laws in the jurisdiction. Here are some potential types of compensation that may be available for eye injury claims:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the eye injury. This includes costs for initial emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, specialist consultations, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: If the eye injury causes the victim to miss work or results in a decreased ability to earn income, compensation may be awarded for the lost wages and potential future earning capacity. This includes both the past and future loss of income due to the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Eye injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation may be awarded for the pain, discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress experienced by the victim as a result of the injury.
• Vision Loss and Impairment: If the eye injury results in partial or complete vision loss or impairment, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the long-term impact on their quality of life, including the loss of visual abilities, reduced independence, and the need for ongoing assistance or accommodations.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: In cases where the eye injury requires extensive rehabilitation or therapy, compensation may be available to cover the costs associated with vision rehabilitation programs, occupational therapy, or other necessary treatments to aid in the victim’s recovery and adaptation.
• Assistive Devices and Modifications: If the eye injury necessitates the use of assistive devices, such as prosthetic eyes, visual aids, or modifications to the home or workplace, compensation may be awarded to cover the expenses of acquiring and maintaining these devices.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation may be provided for the loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the eye injury. This includes the inability to participate in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyed due to vision impairment or other limitations caused by the injury.

Workers’ compensation benefits in California are designed to provide medical treatment, wage replacement, and assistance in returning to work for individuals who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits in California generally do not include damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages. To understand the specific details of compensation for a worker comp eye injury claim, it is recommended to consult with a Los Angeles eye injury lawyer  who specializes in workers’ compensation cases. They can provide guidance, assess your case, and help you navigate the process to pursue fair compensation for your eye injury.

How Can Los Angeles Eye Injuries Lawyer At Pacific Attorney Group Help?

The eye injury lawyers at Pacific Attorney Group can provide valuable assistance to individuals who have suffered eye injuries. Here are some ways they can help:

• Legal Guidance and Evaluation: A Pacific Attorney Group lawyer specializing in eye injury cases can provide expert legal guidance and evaluate the merits of your claim. They will review the details of your case, assess the liability of the responsible party, and determine the potential legal options available to you.
• Gathering Evidence: The attorneys will work diligently to gather all necessary evidence to support your eye injury claim. This may involve obtaining medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation that strengthens your case.
• Expert Witnesses: If needed, the attorneys can engage expert witnesses who can provide professional opinions regarding the cause and extent of your eye injury, the impact on your life, and the projected medical costs or future limitations.
• Insurance Negotiations: The lawyers will handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They will advocate for your rights and work towards obtaining a fair settlement that compensates you for your injury, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. They will provide strong representation and present your case effectively to pursue maximum compensation for your eye injury.
• Handling Legal Procedures: Navigating the legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with an eye injury. The attorneys at Pacific Attorney Group will handle all the legal procedures and paperwork, ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and within the required deadlines.
• Personalized Support: Throughout the legal process, a Los Angeles eye injury lawyer will provide personalized support and guidance. They will keep you informed about the progress of your case, answer your questions, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.

Do you know The American Medical Association (AMA) Guides are often used to assess the impairment caused by eye injuries? These guides provide a framework for rating whole person impairment (WPI) based on the impact on visual acuity and visual field. The severity of the impairment determined through the rating process can influence the level of compensation. Schedule your free consultation with our attorney to better understand your rights and the claim filing process.