The maritime industry is a high-risk environment, and ongoing training and safety procedures are often overlooked, placing workers at serious risk for devastating injuries. According to the CDC, nearly 2,000 work-related eye injuries occur every day in the U.S., and many of these result in permanent vision loss or blindness. Injuries to the eyes can be catastrophic, often leading to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and, in many cases, permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has suffered blindness or impaired vision due to the negligence of an employer, vessel owner, or crew member, you may be eligible for compensation under federal maritime laws. The attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP have represented injured maritime workers on the Pacific Coast for over 40 years, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Call 1-800-262-8529 today to schedule a confidential consultation. BOATLAW, LLP represents injured maritime workers in Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska.
Information Center
- Types of Eye Injuries
- OSHA Standards for Eye Protection
- Compensation for Vision Impairment and Blindness
- Additional Resources
Types of Eye Injuries
Vision is one of our most important senses, with 80% of what we perceive coming through our eyes. Losing eyesight, whether temporarily or permanently, is one of the most challenging injuries a worker can endure. A variety of injuries can cause blindness or vision impairment, including:
- Chemical Burns: Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and benzene can cause severe eye damage leading to vision loss. The maritime industry frequently uses these chemicals, making it a high-risk environment.
- Head Trauma: Even minor head injuries can lead to blindness or impaired vision. Trauma to the head can increase pressure within the skull, damaging the optic nerve or detaching the retina, leading to vision loss.
- Hyphema: Trauma to the eye can cause blood to pool between the cornea and the iris, a condition known as hyphema. Left untreated, this injury can lead to permanent vision issues.
- Foreign Objects: Lack of proper eye protection can result in foreign objects such as glass, metal, or hazardous particles entering the eye, leading to blindness or vision impairment.
OSHA Standards for Eye Protection
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, maritime employers must ensure workers use proper eye and face protection when exposed to hazards. These hazards include:
- Flying particles
- Molten metal
- Liquid chemicals
- Acid and caustic liquids
- Chemical gases or vapors
- Dangerous light radiation
For shipyard workers, activities such as welding and cutting emit radiant energy that can cause serious eye injuries. OSHA requires employers to provide appropriate face and eye protection, including side shields, when there is a risk of flying debris.
If an employer fails to comply with OSHA standards and this results in a worker’s blindness or impaired vision, the worker may be eligible for compensation under maritime law.
Compensation for Vision Impairment and Blindness
As a maritime worker, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence or an unseaworthy vessel. The type and amount of compensation depend on several factors, including your specific duties, the severity of your injury, and where the injury occurred.
Depending on the applicable maritime laws, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical costs (past and future)
- Lost earnings
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Maintenance and cure
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Funeral costs (in cases of wrongful death)
Different maritime laws may apply depending on where the accident occurred:
- The Jones Act typically covers injuries that occur three nautical miles from the U.S. coast.
- The Admiralty Jurisdiction Extension Act applies if the injury occurred on land but was caused by a vessel.
- Other applicable laws include the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Public Vessels Act.
Determining which maritime laws apply to your case can be complicated. It’s crucial to consult with a maritime attorney who can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Additional Resources for Blindness and Vision Impairment
Eye and Face Protection | OSHA – Follow the link provided to read the Eye and Face Protection standards for shipyard workers. You can learn about the necessary protective shades for protection worn when working around radiant light and the required thickness for protection plates around certain operations.
Eye Safety | CDC– Read an article from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention over eye safety. You can gain access to information over workplace eye diseases, how eye injuries can occur at work and what you can do to prevent eye injuries.
Blindness and Vision Impairment Admiralty Attorney in Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska
BOATLAW, LLP is a well-established name in the maritime legal industry, with over 40 years of experience representing injured workers. Our attorneys are aggressive advocates who fight for maximum compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered vision impairment or blindness due to a maritime accident, we are here to help.
Call 1-800-262-8529 today to schedule a confidential consultation. BOATLAW, LLP represents injured seamen in Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska.
