Cornelius Workers’ Compensation Eye Injury Settlements

Workers’ compensation eye injury settlements in Cornelius, NC, may include payments for medical benefits, lost wages, and disability expenses. Our experienced Cornelius workers’ compensation attorneys help people receive settlements for eye injuries at work. Contact Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys for immediate legal assistance.

Understanding Cornelius, NC, Eye Injury Settlement Amounts

Approximately 50 people each day in the United States suffer eye injuries on the job that result in time away from work. These injuries impact the ability to work and may require medical care. Even with appropriate medical care, a worker may have lasting disability.

When a person is injured in the course of employment, they may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits. A Cornelius workers’ compensation eye injury settlement can pay a lump sum.

The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of your losses. How you pursue your case may impact your final settlement amount, so it’s important to have an attorney represent you.

How Workplace Eye Injuries Occur in Cornelius, NC

As of the 2020 census, 31,412 people call Cornelius, NC, home. Leading employers in the area include retail, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, food services, and finance.

While eye injuries can occur in any job or profession, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that eye injuries resulting in lost work days in the United States are the most common in the following industries:

• Construction and related trades
• Material moving
• Cleaning
• Pest control
• Installation, maintenance, and repair
• Manufacturing and production
• Metal work, plastic work

Eye injuries may result from contact with parts or machinery, a motor vehicle or equipment accident, chemical exposure, an explosion, or mishandling of materials. Violence or intentional harm may also lead to eye injuries.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available for Eye Injuries

Workers’ compensation benefits available for eye injuries generally fall into three categories: lost wages, medical benefits, and disability.

Lost wages

An eye injury may require time away from work. A worker may receive 66 2/3% of their average weekly wages before injury, with minimum and maximum payment amounts. An individual may claim wage replacement benefits for up to 500 weeks or until they return to work.

Medical benefits

Medical benefits cover a range of care, including the cost to diagnose and treat the injury. Covered medical care may include measures to give relief and reduce the period of disability.

Some settlements for workers’ compensation eye injury in Cornelius, NC, include an amount for medical care. In these instances, the person can receive additional care from the provider of their own choosing. Our attorneys can provide guidance on whether or not to include medical care in your settlement.

Disability

If your eye injury doesn’t fully heal, you may receive impairment compensation. In Cornelius, NC, eye impairment pays 66 2/3% of pre-injury wages for 120 weeks. Injuries are rated by the extent of impairment; an impairment rating of 85% or more is treated as complete impairment. In addition, enucleation of the eye that cannot be fitted with an artificial eye may pay compensation up to $20,000 (N.C.G.S. § 97-31(21)).

Calculating your compensation

Your losses are specific to your case, and it is not necessary to claim all types of losses to qualify for benefits. Our attorneys customize settlements based on your individual case details.

How Vision Loss Impacts Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Vision loss may impact a workers’ compensation settlement and the person’s ability to return to work. Vision loss may also result in work restrictions and the need for vocational rehabilitation.

A person with vision loss may benefit from surgery. This, along with any extensive or costly medical care, may factor into a settlement. In addition, the extent of permanent impairment, despite maximum medical improvement, may impact the amount of an eye injury settlement.

Temporary vs. Permanent Eye Injuries and Compensation

When an eye injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, the affected worker may receive medical care at no cost. This medical care can continue until the worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement. If the worker is unable to work due to the injury, they may receive temporary wage replacement compensation, which is paid weekly.

In cases where eye injuries result in permanent impairment, the worker may be entitled to impairment compensation. If a person suffers loss of both eyes, they may qualify for permanent total disability compensation under N.C.G.S. § 97-29(d).

In North Carolina, Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are generally capped at 500 weeks. However, if the case qualifies for total disability compensation, the worker may receive wage loss benefits indefinitely.

Permanent eye disability or disfigurement of any nature may qualify for impairment compensation based on the impairment rating, and loss of both eyes is not a requirement for disability.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for an Eye Injury

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an eye injury in Cornelius, NC, starts with reporting the injury to your employer. Report the accident in writing as soon as possible and always within 30 days of the injury.

A common issue in eye injury at work claims is the causation of the injury. Those suffering from eye injuries often hope their injuries are minor and may try to self-treat and delay seeking medical care. In these situations, the insurance company may see an opportunity to deny coverage. Our lawyers can help you fight for your benefits.

What To Do If Your Eye Injury Claim Is Denied

Eye injury workers’ compensation claims are often disputed. The insurance company may question whether the injury is related to a workplace accident or claim that the person had preexisting conditions. The insurance company may challenge the impairment rating or understate the person’s income.

If your eye injury claim is denied, you can challenge it or take the case to a hearing. You may negotiate a settlement.

There are steps you must take to challenge your case, and a lawyer can represent you throughout this process.

How a Cornelius Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

A Cornelius workers’ compensation attorney can assist with all steps in your case. Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, represent injured workers to help them claim their benefits.

Our experienced lawyers identify key issues, build evidence, negotiate settlements, and handle contested hearings.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, you can have legal representation for your workers’ compensation eye injury settlement. Call or message us now.