Your vision is one of your most vital senses, and when it’s compromised by a workplace accident, the results can be devastating. Eye injuries can cause partial or total vision loss, require costly surgeries, and even end a person’s career. Fortunately, Florida’s workers’ compensation laws allow injured workers to seek benefits for medical care, lost wages, and permanent disability resulting from on-the-job eye injuries.

At RTRLAW, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys help clients who have suffered eye injuries recover the benefits they need to heal and move forward.

What are Some of the Common Causes of Eye Injuries in the Workplace?

Work-related eye injuries can happen in almost any environment. They are not limited to just construction or manufacturing. Whether you work in an office, a warehouse, or outdoors, risks exist everywhere. Common causes include:

• Flying debris or particles (metal shavings, wood chips, glass, dust)
• Chemical splashes from cleaning agents or industrial materials
• Blunt force trauma from tools or equipment
• Burns caused by welding, lasers, or explosions
• Radiation exposure from UV light or heat sources
• Workplace accidents involving machinery or vehicle collisions
• Eye strain or digital injuries from prolonged screen exposure

Even what seems like a minor eye injury can have lifelong consequences if it’s not treated properly. That’s why it’s crucial to report it right away and follow every step of the workers’ compensation process.

What Should You Do Immediately After an Eye Injury at Work?

If you suffer an eye injury on the job, your actions in the first hours and days are critical for both your health and your workers’ compensation claim.

At RTRLAW, we recommend anyone injured on the job to:

• Seek immediate medical care. Eye injuries are medical emergencies.
• Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible.
• Request medical treatment from an authorized provider approved by your employer’s insurance company.
• Document everything and include how the injury occurred, what equipment was involved, and who witnessed it.
• Avoid returning to work until cleared by your treating physician.

Failing to report an eye injury promptly or seeking unauthorized medical care can give the insurance company grounds to delay or deny your claim.

How Do You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an Eye Injury?

In Florida, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Your employer then has seven days to report it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

The insurer will assign a claims adjuster, who will investigate the accident and determine eligibility for benefits. You’ll likely be required to:

• Attend medical evaluations and possibly an Independent Medical Examination (IME)
• Provide details about how the injury occurred
• Supply any relevant medical or employment records

RTRLAW’s attorneys can assist you through every step, and ensure your claim is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and evidence of your injury’s impact is fully documented.

What Benefits are Available for Eye Injury Victims?

Workers’ compensation benefits for eye injuries can cover a wide range of expenses and losses, including:

• Medical treatment: surgeries, vision correction, medications, and follow-up care
• Lost wages: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) or Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) payments
• Permanent impairment benefits: for partial or total vision loss

Workers’ comp should cover medical bills, but it should also protect your financial stability while you recover. RTRLAW will fight to make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to, especially in cases involving permanent vision damage.

What are Some of the Challenges in Being Awarded Damages After an Eye Injury at Work?

While eye injuries are among the most serious workplace injuries, insurance companies often dispute or minimize them. Common challenges include:

• Arguing the injury was pre-existing or unrelated to work
• Claiming the employee didn’t follow safety protocols
• Disputing the degree of vision loss or impairment
• Refusing to authorize specialist care or surgeries

To overcome these challenges, it’s vital to have strong medical documentation and experienced legal representation. RTRLAW works closely with ophthalmologists, occupational health experts, and accident investigators to build a solid case proving your injury was job-related.

Can You Receive Permanent Disability for an Eye Injury?

If your eye injury causes permanent vision loss, whether in one or both eyes, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.

Attorney Matthew Sosonkin adds: “We’ve helped clients with partial vision loss recover benefits for missed work and years of ongoing treatment. You don’t have to be completely blind for your case to be considered serious under the law.”

Under Florida law, the percentage of vision loss determines the level of compensation. Even partial loss of sight can entitle you to significant benefits if it impacts your ability to work or perform your job duties safely.

Tips for Strengthening Your Eye Injury Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an eye injury can be complicated, especially when insurance companies try to minimize your condition or blame outside factors. Taking the right steps early on can make all the difference in proving your injury was work-related and ensuring you receive full benefits.

Here are some practical ways to strengthen your claim:

• Report immediately. Don’t delay, even if the injury seems minor.
• Get examined by a specialist. General practitioners may miss eye trauma signs.
• Keep all medical records and prescriptions.
• Avoid returning to hazardous work until medically cleared.
• Consult a workers’ comp attorney early. The earlier RTRLAW gets involved, the stronger your case will be.

Even small mistakes, like delaying treatment or misplacing medical paperwork, can weaken your workers’ compensation case. By acting quickly, keeping thorough records, and working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful recovery. RTRLAW’s legal team knows how to build claims that help injured workers get the medical care and financial stability they deserve.

RTRLAW Helps Eye Injury Victims Throughout Florida

RTRLAW’s workers’ compensation team has represented thousands of injured workers throughout Florida, including those suffering from eye and vision injuries. We understand the unique medical, financial, and emotional challenges that come with losing part of your sight.

Our attorneys will:

• Handle all communications with the insurance carrier
• Gather medical and expert evidence to prove the severity of your injury
• Fight for your right to full medical care and maximum compensation
• Represent you in hearings, appeals, or settlement negotiations

Your vision matters, and so does your case. Let RTRLAW help you protect both. If you suffered an eye injury while working in Florida, don’t risk your rights or benefits by going it alone. Eye injury cases require fast action and strong evidence, and our attorneys are ready to help.

Call RTRLAW today at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) or fill out the form on our website to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll review your claim, explain your options, and fight to secure the medical care and compensation you deserve.