Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation After an Eye Injury at Work?

December 15, 2025

Although statistics regarding eye injuries on the job vary greatly, one thing that is certain is that all employees are at risk of vision damage as a result of their daily work duties. You could be injured in an accident or simply due to performing your job, because it can cause a strain on your eyes. Regardless of how your eye was injured on the job, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits for a work-related injury. These claims are not always easy, and they may require the help of an experienced attorney.

What Causes Eye Injuries on the Job?

Flying debris and particles are the most common causes of eye injuries on the job. If your eye has been struck by an object, the cornea can be scratched or damaged. These injuries are common in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Exposure to chemical and harmful substances can also injure your eyes. This can include solvents or vapors and chemicals. These substances can burn your eyes and cause permanent damage. These injuries often occur in healthcare, maintenance, and manufacturing employees who must work with dangerous substances every day on their job.

Blunt force trauma can cause damage to the eye itself or fracture the sockets that surround it. Damage to the eye can be serious enough that it could even lead to its loss. These injuries often happen in the construction industry when workers may be struck by flying debris.

Eye injuries do not necessarily have to occur as a result of an accident. Any type of worker who uses their eyes every day on the job can sustain an injury. For example, if you have to focus on a computer screen for the entire duration of your job, your eyes could be strained and damaged. These injuries can happen over time, making it even more important to stay on top of your health and obtain regular eye examinations.

Can Progressive Eye Damage Lead to More Difficult Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Eye injuries that can lead to Workers’ Compensation benefits can result from both singular accidents and damage over time. If you are facing a situation in which your eyes have been gradually deteriorating due to your workplace duties, you could be facing a more challenging Workers’ Compensation claim. The insurance company may deny the claim because it argues that your injury occurred as a result of something other than your job. It could be difficult to connect your eye injury to the circumstances of your employment. These cases are more likely to be denied, leading to a necessary appeal.

What Should I Do When I Have Suffered a Work-Related Eye Injury in Baltimore?

If you have suffered an eye injury on the job, the most important thing that you can do is to get medical help for it immediately. Eye injuries can grow worse over time if they are left untreated. There is more of a chance that you could either recover fully or completely regain your vision if you get help from a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition, you must notify your employer of the injury. Maryland has very tight time frames in Workers’ Compensation cases for you to notify your employer. If you do not provide your employer with this notice within 10 days after you were injured, you may run a risk that you could not receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. This notice requirement applies regardless of whether you have been injured in an accident or have suffered eye damage over time.

Finally, you should consider contacting a Workers’ Compensation attorney to represent you. Workers’ Compensation is a legal process, and you are dealing with an insurance company that may not want to pay your claim because it is not in its financial interests to do so.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Will Help You Navigate the Process

If you have suffered an eye injury on the job, the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. Whether it is filing your claim, negotiating a settlement, or handling your case in an appeal, we are there with you every step of the way. You can schedule a free initial consultation by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529). Our offices are in Baltimore and Owings Mills, and we serve clients throughout Maryland.