Workplace Vision Loss in Portland

If you lost some or all of your vision because of flying debris, a chemical splash, or another serious eye injury at work, you might be dealing with pain, missed paychecks, and insurance delays, all while trying to figure out what to do next.

Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., focuses on helping workers like you across Oregon who face real losses like eye injuries at work. Jodie knows how to push back against insurers who question your claim or try to downplay your injuries.

Contact Jodie today to begin your free consultation and get answers about your legal rights after vision loss at work.

Reasons to Select Our Firm for Help with Your Workplace Vision Loss Claim

If you lost your vision in a work-related accident in Oregon, you need someone who knows how the workers’ compensation system functions and will stand up for your interests.

Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., has been helping injured workers like you across Oregon since 1993. Jodie understands the process from both sides because she once sat on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board, where she looked out for the interests of injured workers. She now uses that experience to fight for fair results in every case.

When you work with Jodie, you will speak directly with an attorney who takes the time to understand your situation and what you need moving forward. She won’t hand your case off to a less-qualified assistant or rush you through the process. Instead, she will explain your options, keep your claim on track, and push back if the insurance company tries to cut corners.

Many past clients have expressed appreciation for the way Jodie treated them with respect and stayed in their corner every step of the way. For example, here’s what Rory L. had to say:

“Jodie, thank you so much for being there for me, you truly are an angel. There is no way I could have gone through that hearing by myself. I can’t thank you enough for helping me and my family.”

Common Causes of Vision Loss at Work in Oregon

Workers can lose vision because of dangerous conditions at work. Some vision loss injuries happen instantly, while others develop over time. In many cases, vision injuries were entirely preventable with the right safety rules and protective gear.

Below are some of the most common causes of vision loss in workplace accidents:

• Chemical splashes – Acids, cleaning products, and other hazardous liquids can cause chemical burns, leading to permanent damage if they reach the eyes.
• Flying debris – Small objects like metal shavings, glass, or wood chips can strike the eye during grinding, cutting, or drilling.
• Radiation exposure – Welders and others who work around bright light or UV rays face a high risk of injury without proper eye protection.
• Blunt force trauma – Falling objects, dropped tools, or collisions with equipment can lead to serious eye injuries and possible vision loss.
• Burn injuries – Steam, fire, and hot liquids can damage the eyes and surrounding tissue quickly, especially in kitchens or industrial settings.
• Long-term strain – Repeated exposure to poor lighting or digital screens can cause vision issues that worsen over time.

OSHA Standards for Eye Protection in the Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets clear rules to prevent serious eye injuries on the job. Under OSHA Standard 1910.133, employers must make sure workers wear the right kind of eye protection when they face hazards like flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, or harmful light. If there is a risk of flying objects, workers must also use side protection.

If you wear prescription glasses, your employer must provide protection that fits over your lenses or includes your prescription. The gear must also be clearly marked with the manufacturer’s name and meet recognized safety standards.

For jobs involving welding, cutting, or other tasks with dangerously bright light, OSHA requires filter lenses with specific shade levels to protect your eyes. The right shade depends on the type of work and the level of exposure. OSHA recommends starting with a darker shade and adjusting for visibility.

Potential Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Loss of Vision at Work

If you lose vision because of a work-related injury in Oregon, workers’ compensation could provide several types of benefits. You can receive medical benefits that pay medical bills for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, therapy, and medications. The insurance company can require you to see an approved provider, but you might still have some choice in who treats you.

You could also qualify for temporary or permanent disability benefits. If you can’t work for a period of time due to vision impairment, you could receive temporary total or partial disability payments to replace a portion of your lost wages. If your work-related eye injury causes permanent damage, you might receive a permanent partial or permanent total disability award, depending on how much the injury affects your ability to work.

Oregon also offers vocational rehabilitation benefits. These can cover retraining, job placement help, and support for changing careers if your vision loss prevents you from returning to your previous job.

Challenges in Pursuing a Vision Loss or Eye Injury Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for vision loss takes time and effort. You might run into problems with the insurance company if they question whether the injury happened at work or try to downplay how much your vision has changed. Some employers also delay reporting such injuries or give incomplete details to insurers, which can slow down your work injury claim.

Proving long-term vision loss can also be difficult. You might need to go through multiple medical exams or deal with insurance doctors who disagree with your own providers. If your severe eye injury limits your ability to work, you could face added pressure to return before you’re ready.

Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you deal with these challenges, protect your rights, secure medical treatment, and push for the workers’ compensation benefits you need to move forward.

Lost Your Vision at Work? Talk to Our Workplace Eye Injury Attorney Today

If you lost vision because of a work injury, know that you don’t have to handle your workers’ comp claim on your own. Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., has been helping injured workers across Oregon for more than 30 years and knows how to get results.

Contact Jodie today to arrange your free consultation. She will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you seek the benefits you need.