Understand how vision loss can impact your workers’ comp benefits in Atlanta
Work-related vision loss can be devastating—not just for the worker, but for their entire family. Whether the vision loss happened suddenly due to a workplace accident or developed over time from exposure to hazardous conditions, it can deeply impact a person’s independence, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
While most Georgia workers with vision loss or blindness are entitled to workers’ comp benefits for medical care, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and more, employers and their insurers don’t always make the process easy.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common causes of job-related blindness, the benefits you’re entitled to, and the steps to take to file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia. But if you need additional help, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.
At 91proƵ & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we stand up for injured workers and help them get the full compensation they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Atlanta work injury attorneys today to get started.
What percentage of adults are blind?
A 2023 study by the (ILO) found that as of 2020, about 18 million working-age adults worldwide were living with blindness. Of those with vision issues, around 13 million cases were linked to work-related causes.
How common are eye injuries at work in the U.S.?
According to the , every day in the U.S., about 2,000 workers suffer job-related eye injuries that require medical care.
In 2020 alone, the (BLS) reported that 18,510 workers had eye-related injuries or illnesses serious enough to cause them to miss at least one day of work—an incidence rate of 1.7 per 10,000 full-time workers.
The leading causes of these work-related eye injuries included:
- Contact with objects or equipment – 11,980 cases
- Exposure to harmful substances or work environments – 4,830 cases
- Violence from a person or animal – 1,200 cases
- Slip and fall accidents – 290 cases
The frequency and severity of these injuries are particularly alarming since the says that with the proper eye protection, up to 90% of work-related eye injuries could be prevented.
What is the unemployment rate for blind people?
According to the (ILO), individuals with vision impairment are 30% less likely to be employed than those without vision loss.
This gap highlights just how difficult it can be for workers who experience blindness to return to the workforce or find new employment opportunities, making workers’ compensation benefits absolutely critical.
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What workers’ comp benefits am I entitled to if I lose my vision in Georgia?
If you or a loved one suffered vision loss due to a work-related injury in Georgia, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits designed to support your recovery and financial stability as you move forward.
Potential benefits include:
- Medical coverage. All of your treatment related to the injury should be covered—this includes doctor visits, surgeries, medications, vision aids, and any long-term care you may need.
- Wage replacement. If your eye injury keeps you from working, you may qualify for wage loss payments (also called indemnity benefits) to replace part of your income (typically two-thirds). How long you receive these depends on the extent of your vision loss and how it affects your ability to work:
- Complete loss of vision in 1 eye. If you’ve completely lost vision in one eye, Georgia law allows you to collect up to 150 weeks of permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits (a form of wage loss benefits) to compensate for the permanent damage.
- Complete loss of vision in both eyes. Total industrial blindness in both eyes is considered a catastrophic injury under Georgia law. That means you could qualify for lifetime wage replacement benefits because the impact on your ability to work is so severe.
- Job retraining. If your vision loss prevents you from returning to your old job but you’re still capable of working in some capacity, you may be eligible for vocational rehab services to help you find new work that fits your abilities.
These benefits can make a huge difference during a difficult time, but getting everything you’re owed isn’t always easy.
If you feel that your employer or their insurer isn’t offering you a settlement amount that’s fair, reach out to a local Georgia workers’ compensation attorney for help. They can provide you with an estimate of what your claim is worth and negotiate on your behalf to get you the full benefits you’re entitled to.
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How do I file a workers’ comp claim for vision loss in Georgia?
To get workers’ comp benefits after an accident at work that leads to blindness, you’ll need to take these steps to file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia:
- Get medical attention right away. Seeing a doctor not only helps begin treatment but also creates the medical records you’ll need to support your claim.
- Tell your employer within 30 days. Georgia law requires you to notify your employer about your vision loss within 30 days of the accident or the diagnosis of the occupational disease (if the vision loss occurred over time). From there, your employer must report it to their workers’ comp insurance provider.
- File your claim. To officially begin your claim, you’ll need to submit to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You have up to 1 year to do this, but it’s best not to wait.
- Consider talking to an attorney. Vision loss can be life-changing, and the claims process can get complicated. If your workers’ comp claim is denied or you’re unsure how to proceed, a work injury attorney can step in to help protect your rights and make sure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
Suffering from vision loss after an injury at work in Atlanta? We can help!
If you or someone you love has suffered a serious eye injury at work that led to vision loss, we know how overwhelming it can feel—physically, emotionally, and financially. You’re likely facing ongoing medical costs, lost income, and tough questions about what comes next.
At 91proƵ & Holder, our skilled Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers bring more than 75 years of combined experience to the table, and we’ve helped countless Georgia workers get the full benefits they’re owed.
In cases involving permanent injuries like blindness, you can’t afford to accept a low settlement or leave money on the table. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injury or push a quick payout, but you deserve more than that—you deserve a future that’s secure.
Let us stand up for you. Contact 91proƵ & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you maximize your benefits.
References
American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Protecting your eyes at work. www.aoa.org.
CDC. (2024, May 21). Fast Facts: Vision Loss. Vision and Eye Health.
Eye health and the world of work. (2023).
Workers suffered 18,510 eye-related injuries and illnesses in 2020 : The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, March 31). www.bls.gov.
