Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Vision Loss in Vermont?
Employees can suffer various work-related injuries and illnesses that can have different effects. Among the job-related conditions that can significantly alter your life as an employee is vision loss. In addition to the physical challenges associated with losing your sight, you may face emotional distress and the inability to continue working in your profession of choice. If you suffered vision loss in Vermont because of your work, you may be wondering if you can recover workers’ compensation benefits.
So, can you get workers’ compensation for vision loss in Vermont? Yes, under Vermont’s workers’ compensation laws, vision loss is among the compensable conditions. However, for vision loss to be covered, it must have occurred in the course of employment.
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation in Vermont
In Vermont, all employers are required to have workers’ compensation. This insurance coverage protects employees when they suffer injuries or illnesses because of their work. Workers’ compensation in Vermont provides benefits such as;
- Medical benefits for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury or illness
- Disability benefits (both temporary and permanent)
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits in cases involving work-related deaths
The good news is that with workers’ compensation, you are not required to prove your employer was negligent.
Is Vision Loss Covered Under Vermont’s Workers’ Compensation Laws?
As stated, vision loss is covered under Vermont’s workers’ compensation laws if it is work-related. For your vision loss to be considered work-related, there must be a clear connection between the condition and your work duties or environment.
The following are some of the most common causes of work-related vision loss;
- Trauma to the eye, such as puncture injuries caused by projectiles or flying debris
- Chemical exposure, such as exposure to cleaning agents or industrial chemicals
- Infectious diseases
- Radiation exposure
- Prolonged use of digital devices such as computers
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you lost your vision because of any of the above reasons while performing your work duties.
What Benefits Can You Recover?
If you’ve suffered vision loss on the job, you can recover several forms of workers’ compensation benefits, including the following;
- Medical expense coverage including coverage for ophthalmologist visits, surgery, medications, and assistive devices like glasses.
- Temporary total disability benefits if your vision loss prevents you from performing any work.
- Temporary partial disability benefits if you can return to work but at a reduced capacity.
- Permanent partial disability benefits if the vision loss is permanent, but you can still engage in some form of employment.
- Permanent total disability benefits if the vision loss is permanent and you cannot return to regular or gainful employment.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits, which are meant to help you with job retraining and placement
Steps To Take After a Job-Related Eye Injury
After suffering vision loss due to your job, take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected;
- Report the condition immediately to your employer
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Follow doctor’s orders and treatment plans
- File a workers’ comp claim with your employer’s insurer
- Gather evidence and keep detailed records
- Consult a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered vision loss on the job, contact a skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC today at 802-457-1000 or online to schedule a consultation.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/course_of_employment
