Your legal rights after a workplace eye injury and why a claim should never be settled for just the specific loss period.
We have seen people suffer from both partial and total vision loss. It can be a terrible consequence of a workplace eye accident. Employees are covered under workers’ comp regardless of fault. Benefits include medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and lost wages. Here is what everyone should know about a suffering an eye injury at work in Michigan and if workers’ comp will cover the claim. Please remember that every situation is unique, and it is best to speak to an experienced lawyer regarding your own potential case.
Does workers’ comp cover an eye injury at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, workers’ comp covers eye injuries sustained at work, including medical expenses, lost wages, and specific loss benefits for partial or total vision loss. Benefits may also include vocational rehabilitation. It’s important to report the injury to your supervisor immediately and seek prompt medical attention, clearly noting that the injury is work-related.
Specific loss benefits
In Michigan, workers’ comp covers eye injuries at work by providing specific loss benefits to employees who suffer partial or total vision loss. These benefits guarantee a minimum number of paid weeks, regardless of whether the employee returns to work. Loss of one eye entitles the employee to 162 weeks of wage loss benefits, while loss of both eyes results in 324 weeks of specific loss benefits. An 80% loss of vision in one eye is considered a total loss of that eye.
Medical Treatment
Workers’ comp should also pay for medical treatment after an ocular injury on the job. This is an unlimited benefit, and it goes for life. There should never be any copayments or deductibles owed by an employee under workers’ comp. Even items that are strictly for cosmetic purposes should be covered 100%.
Vocational rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation should also be provided to help a person transition to a new career if needed. This might come in the form of money for education or retraining. Sometimes a person just needs help with their resume and finding a new job. Watch out for insurance companies who use vocational rehabilitation as a weapon and don’t have your best interests at heart.
Wage loss benefits
Wage loss benefits should also be paid after the specific loss period ends if a person still cannot work. This money is paid on top of the 162 weeks per eye. Insurance companies frequently refuse to pay because they do not take vision loss seriously.
Watch out for low ball settlement offers for eye injuries.
What does workers comp not cover after an eye injury at work in Michigan?
In Michigan, workers’ comp does not cover everything related to an eye injury at work. Injuries that occur outside of the job site or are not caused by a job-related incident are not eligible, nor are those resulting from intentional self-harm or violations of safety rules. Pre-existing eye conditions may also be excluded unless the workplace injury clearly aggravated them. Additionally, workers’ compensation benefits typically do not cover non-medical expenses, such as cosmetic treatments or damaged personal property like glasses, and they do not provide compensation for pain and suffering.
Watch out for low ball insurance settlement offers
Insurance companies make settlement offers based upon what is advantageous to them. Low ball insurance settlement offers based on just the 162 week specific loss period should not be accepted. Employees should also get money for medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and general disability if warranted.
How to ensure workers’ comp covers you for an eye injury at work in Michigan?
To ensure workers’ comp covers you for an eye injury at work in Michigan, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow proper procedures. Prompt reporting, thorough documentation, and immediate medical care can help protect your rights and ensure you receive all benefits you are entitled to.
- Report the injury immediately: Tell your supervisor as soon as the injury occurs. If you are unable to, have a co-worker notify them on your behalf.
- Seek prompt medical attention: Get medical help right away and make sure your healthcare provider knows the injury happened at work.
- Keep records: Maintain detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to the injury.
What are common reasons for ocular trauma on the job?
Ocular trauma on the job can occur in a variety of ways, often depending on the work environment and tasks being performed. Common causes include flying or falling debris such as metal shavings or wood fragments, chemical splashes or burns, blunt force trauma from impacts, thermal burns from heat or fire, and penetrating injuries from objects like staples or nails. Understanding these risks can help employees take proper safety precautions and ensure that any workplace eye injuries are promptly reported and treated.
Not sure if workers’ comp will cover your eye injury at work in Michigan? Call our attorneys now for a free consultaiton!
If you suffered an eye injury at work in Michigan and and not sure if workers’ comp will cover your injury claim, call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Our attorneys are here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand work injury laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 580-0920 for a free consultation today.
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