How To Seek Workers’ Compensation For Eye Injuries In New York

Getting an eye injury at work can be unexpected and life-changing. Many workers who suffer eye injuries on the job face physical pain and long-term financial instability. Fortunately, New York’s workers’ compensation system supports these workers in these challenging times. If you suffered a recent eye injury, this post will guide you through how you can get the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Most Common Workplace Eye Injuries?

From mild irritations to severe trauma, there are plenty of workplace eye injuries that could potentially lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. Some of the most common ones include:

• Scratches from dust or debris
• Burns from exposure to industrial products or chemicals
• Blunt trauma from accidents involving machinery or falling objects
• Blindness from punctures, chemical contact, or blunt trauma
• Radiation exposure from welding or laser work
• Eye strain due to prolonged computer use

Each of these injuries can gravely impact your health and livelihood. As soon as the incident happens, always seek medical attention immediately to minimize damages.

Eligibility for Workers’ Comp in New York

Your eye injury must stem from an incident in your employment to be eligible for workers’ compensation. This includes injuries sustained on the job site and those related to work activities off-site. It’s important to understand that workers’ comp is a no-fault system, so you can claim benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. If you qualify, you’ll receive compensation for lost wages, medical treatments, vocational rehabilitation, and more.

How To File A Workers’ Comp Claim For Eye Injuries

Filing a claim for any work-related eye injury involves a few essential steps:

• Report Your Injuries: Notify your employer about the damage as soon as possible. According to the state’s law, you typically have 30 days to report an injury to your employer.
• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor to get treated immediately. Ensure the doctor knows it’s a work-related injury, as you’ll use this medical report as evidence.
• File a Claim: Complete and submit a C-3 form to the Workers’ Compensation Board. This form should show how the injury happened and the medical treatment you’re receiving.
• Gather Documentation: Detailed evidence like medical records or witness statements will support your claim.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Many workers’ comp claims will result in denial the first time, but you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process includes filing an appeal and preparing for a hearing with a workers’ compensation judge. However, the whole process can be incredibly complex, and receiving benefits may take longer than expected. If you’re in this situation, a reliable lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation can help you file your appeal and represent you in court.

Contact Our Disability Lawyers

Going through the workers’ compensation claims process for an eye injury can be stressful, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. That’s where our team of New York workers’ compensation lawyers comes in. We have decades of experience and are here to guide you through every step. If you need help with your workers’ comp claim, don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact us online or at 855-599-2141 for a free consultation today.