When a Worker Experiences Blindness Due to an Accident

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we received a past settlement for a client who was installing a meter as an electrician, following all safety procedures, and was still injured in an explosion. The explosion caused a bright flash of light and left him blinded temporarily, where he staggered away with many other injuries. Our team was able to bring a case of workplace safety matters and earned him $800,000 in compensation.

Though it may not be the most common types of accidents in the workplace, sometimes workers will experience temporary or permanent blindness as the result of an accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found that thousands of people are blinded each year on the job, in face, from work-related eye injuries that could have been protected only if eye and face protection was given or used properly. Each year due to these accidents, $300 million per year is lost in production time, medical expenses, workers’ comp, and more. OSHA has even passed standards that show employers and employees what is expected in terms of protective equipment to prevent these life-changing injuries.

Employers Making Accommodations

If a person is blind or visually impaired and wants to return to the workplace after their accident, sometimes an employer must be able to make accommodations for them or help them find a job that is better suited to them. However, these accommodations must be reasonable in cost and implementation, taking the dynamics of a workplace into consideration and not having drastic or negative effects on the employer or company.

OSHA says that employers must keep employees safe in their work environment to protect against chemical, environmental, and mechanical hazards that could have an effect on them for life. If you have been injured in your workplace and your employer’s negligence is to blame, you may have a case. We can help you get the compensation you deserve in your time of need.