Personal Injury Lawyer

Depending on the type of work you do, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your eyes from getting hurt due to injury or hazards. Even minor scratches and occasional exposure to harmful chemicals can develop into a condition that could be permanent or require intensive treatment. It is also important to note that if your eye injury happened while on the clock or performing a job-related task, then you need to report it to your employer immediately, as an attorney,can explain.

Common Eye Injuries
Common eye injuries that can occur in the workplace include chemical eye burns, invasion of foreign bodies, blunt trauma, allergic conjunctivitis, and diseases due to exposure of ultraviolet radiation. It is the duty of an employer to provide reasonable and functional protective gear when performing tasks that could cause an injury to occur. When an employer is negligent in offering their workers eyewear and eye wash stations, they could be held liable for medical costs if an accident happens.

By visiting an eye doctor shortly after an eye injury accident at work, workers can receive prompt treatment for: 

• Chemical Eye Burns: highly alkaline and acidic substances are toxic and can result in severe chemical eye burns if they come into direct or airborne contact with the exterior of the eye. Eye burns are most likely to occur in laboratories, industrial facilities, and other workplaces that frequently use cleaning products
  
• Invasion of Foreign Bodies: tiny foreign particles in the air can enter the eye, causing inflammation and irritation. When a foreign body gets into the eye, do not continue rubbing if blinking and rinsing doesn’t remove it, as it will only cause more damage.
• Blunt Trauma: if the eye gets hit with sudden force, it can bleed internally. If you see bruising around the eye, cuts on the eyelid or nearby skin, or severe eye redness, then you must see an eye doctor for care.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: employees who work in the agricultural field and are routinely exposed to certain food items may develop allergic conjunctivitis. Signs of this condition include redness in both eyes, burning/itching sensation, watery discharge, and sensitivity to light.
• Eye Diseases: workers who perform tasks outdoors may be exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) in immense quantities, and are more at-risk for developing eye diseases such as squamous cell carcinoma, pterygium, and cataracts. 

Eyewash Stations

Whether an employee suffers from a minor eye injury or one that worsens drastically is often based on whether a rinsing station is provided. One of the best ways to treat an eye injury is rinsing with a saline wash, so any foreign substance that is causing the damage can get removed quickly. In work environments where employees are exposed to chemicals and tiny particles, eyewash stations and solution bottles must be easily accessible so the chances of permanent eye damage are reduced. 

If you suffered an eye injury in the workplace, you may be due compensation for your accident. A workplace injury lawyer can help you secure the money you need for a full recovery.

A lawyer, like a workers’ compensation lawyer, from our friends at Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can provide clients with further insight on whether an injury qualifies for coverage.