Employees in the state of Oklahoma can suffer a wide range of injuries while at work. Some of these injuries will heal over time, whereas others lead to permanent consequences. Vision loss is one of the most serious work-related injuries, and it can have a huge impact on your life. If you have suffered a permanent loss of vision as a result of your work, it’s important to understand your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
The Common Causes of Vision Loss
Employees may suffer permanent vision loss at work for a number of reasons, including:
- Prolonged exposure to bright light
- Exposure to chemicals
- Injuries that affect the brain or eyes
An employee may suffer partial vision loss, which means he can still see but his vision is impaired, or total vision loss, which means he is completely blind.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Permanent Loss of Vision Injuries
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you suffered a permanent loss of vision as a result of your work. A medical professional will need to evaluate you to determine the extent of your vision loss. This examination will take place once you have reached the state of maximum medical improvement.
During this examination, the medical professional may test your field of vision and whether you are able to see things up close or far away. The physical structure of your eye may also be examined. Then, the doctor will calculate the percentage of eye impairment caused by your work-related injury.
If one or both eyes has been removed as a result of the injuries, you are entitled to 275 weeks of permanent partial disability benefits. You will also receive 275 weeks of benefits if it is determined that you have permanently lost more than 80% of your vision in one or both eyes. This is because the impairment is so significant that the worker is compensated in the same way he would be if he had lost his eye.
Injured workers can still obtain benefits if their vision impairment is less than 80%, but the benefits can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on the impairment level.
Have you suffered a loss of vision as a result of a work-related injury? If so, seek legal representation from Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Our attorneys understand how this injury can impact your life, which is why we will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.