The ability to see is vital for workers in all types of jobs. But a workplace accident can rob of them of their sight, leaving them unable to continue in the same line of work. In Illinois, injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but the claims process can be challenging. The experienced Peru on-the-job blindness lawyers at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP will help you achieve the big results you deserve.
Laws and procedures are in place designed to protect workers from eye injuries, particularly those who work at high-risk jobs. But on-the-job injuries can still happen, with very serious consequences. An injured worker can be left completely or partially blind, or with another injury that impairs vision.
Workers can lose their sight or suffer other eye injuries in different ways:
- Projectiles: Wood splinters, shards of glass, metal flakes or other small particles can be thrown into the eye. This is a high risk for assembly line workers, machine workers and carpenters.
- Tools: Some hazardous tools and materials pose a risk to the eyes, such as commercial staples, wires, saws, blades and nails.
- Blunt force trauma: Motor vehicle crashes, falling onto a hard surface, falling objects and workplace violence can result in injuries to the eye.
- Chemicals: Hazardous chemicals can cause burns and blindness if splashed into the eyes.
Workers’ Compensation Can Help if You’ve Lost Some or All of Your Vision
In Illinois, workers who lose their vision or suffer other eye injuries in a workplace accident are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These include 100% coverage for all medical treatment related to the injury. Workers can also collect two-thirds of their average weekly wage during the time they are unable to work. There are also other benefits available, such as vocational rehabilitation to help the worker get training and education for a new job, if unable to return to the previous one.
But the claims process can be difficult and frustrating, and employers and insurance companies may challenge benefits. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side. We stand by you every step of the way, representing you from the initial claim filing all the way through any appeals if your claim is denied.
If you lost vision or suffered any kind of eye injury at the workplace, contact us online. Learn more about how we can help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
