North Carolina Eye Injuries in the Workplace

worker suffering from a splinter in his eye

An eye injury on the job can result not only in partial or complete vision loss but also in significant time off work. These injuries can happen on job sites of all kinds, whether it’s a construction site in Raleigh or the agricultural fields near Greenville, and they can be painful, costly, and traumatic. When you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation should cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages if you’re someone’s employee.

The team at Hardison & Cochran has over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of hard-working Tar Heels as they pursue compensation for an eye injury at work. When you choose us to represent you, you’ll receive crucial legal guidance, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate support. Contact us today to learn more at a free, no-obligation consultation.

Common Causes of Eye Injuries in North Carolina Workplaces

Eye injury risks are present in a wide range of workplaces, and they can occur in various ways. Some of the most common reasons for an eye injury at work in North Carolina include the following:

  • Flying Debris – Fast-moving debris is the leading cause of eye injuries in the workplace, largely because injuries like these can occur in many places, including construction sites, auto body shops, and manufacturing plants.
  • Chemical Splashes – Laboratories like those in Research Triangle Park and manufacturing plants like the ones in Charlotte’s industrial district have a significant risk of dangerous liquids or gases causing eye injuries at work.
  • Radiation Exposure – Lasers and welding tools emit powerful radiation that can cause catastrophic damage without proper eye protection.
  • Blunt Force Trauma – Slip-and-fall accidents and falling objects can also cause devastating eye injuries. These are more common in fast-paced work environments.
  • Lack of Protective Equipment – A wide range of workplaces can present a serious risk for eye injury if the proper protective equipment is not worn.

Types of Eye Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

Injuries to the eye can impact the eye itself, the bone surrounding it, or the optic nerve that controls central and peripheral vision. All of these types of injuries can have significant, lasting impacts on your quality of life. Some of the most frequent types of eye injury at work include the following:

  • Corneal abrasions
  • Chemical burns
  • Foreign bodies
  • Traumatic iritis
  • Orbital fractures
  • Retinal detachment
  • Optic nerve damage

Long-term consequences of workplace eye injuries can include chronic pain, sensitivity to light, and partial or complete vision loss. These symptoms can not only impact your ability to earn a living but also affect your ability to live independently and enjoy life. Eye injury settlement amounts can depend on the severity and impact of your injury, but they also frequently depend on the legal representation you choose.

Workers’ Compensation Rights for Eye Injuries in NC

In North Carolina, our workers’ compensation system is designed to support employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the injury. Your eye injury compensation may include the following:

Medical Expenses

The costs associated with treating an eye injury can be extremely high. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury.

Wage Replacement

Eye injury at work compensation can help cover the wages you lose while you’re out of work. Depending on the nature of the injury, you may be entitled to one of the following:

  • Temporary Partial Disability – If you’re able to return to work in a reduced capacity at a lower wage or for fewer hours while you continue to recover, you may be entitled to partial wage replacement benefits, typically equivalent to two-thirds of the difference between your current earnings and your pre-injury wages.
  • Temporary Total Disability – If you’re temporarily unable to work at all, you may qualify for Temporary Total Disability, which typically provides two-thirds of your gross pre-injury average weekly wage up to a certain maximum.
  • Permanent Partial Disability – If your injuries have resulted in permanent impairment of a part of your body, and you’re still capable of working, you could be entitled to Permanent Partial Disability benefits. A “disability rating” that measures the extent of disability the injury has caused is used in a formula with a scheduled list of benefits to determine the value of your PPD benefits.
  • Permanent Total Disability – When an eye injury prevents you from ever working again, you may be entitled to disability benefits paid at two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage for life.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Eye injury workers’ compensation benefits can also cover job retraining, skills development, and/or assistance returning to the workforce through things like resume and interview preparation and job placement services.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Eye Injury

The first thing to do after any eye injury is to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries can worsen quickly without proper care, and official medical records are always important in eye injury claims. Once you’ve done that, be sure to do the following:

  • Report the Injury – Under North Carolina law, you must inform your employer within 30 days of the accident after you’ve been injured. Doing so will both protect your legal rights and create crucial documentation for pursuing your claim.
  • File a Form 18 – To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you’ll need to file a Form 18 with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. This process is not often quick or easy, so be sure to file as soon as possible.
  • Follow All Medical Advice – Following your medical treatment plan is crucial for your own health and well-being, but it’s also a critical aspect of all successful eye injury claims.
  • Keep Careful Records – Your medical records, bills, receipts, evidence of missed work, and communications with your employer tell the story of how your eye injury has impacted your life—and can have a significant impact on eye injury settlement amounts. Save everything.
  • Contact a Lawyer – An experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can not only help you demand your fair benefits, but they can also help you identify and pursue other avenues of compensation. Contact one as soon as possible.

How Hardison & Cochran Can Help with Your Eye Injury Claim

If you’ve suffered an eye injury on the job and you’re seeking compensation, the team at Hardison & Cochran can help. Our reputation for compassionate, understanding, tenacious representation is backed by the millions of dollars we’ve recovered on behalf of our injured clients and the numerous heartfelt testimonials they’ve left us in return. Contact us today for your free consultation.