Offshore Eye Injury Lawyers

Blindness & Eye Injuries in the Maritime Industry

Under maritime law such as the Jones Act, you have the legal right to receive financial compensation for catastrophic offshore injuries—including those that affect your vision. 

If you suffered an eye injury or are experiencing vision loss because of your work offshore, Arnold & Itkin can help. We understand the serious and life-altering effects of vision impairment or blindness. We are experienced in handling these maritime claims and are prepared to fight for you. Our offshore eye injury attorneys are equipped to advise and represent you through the duration of your case, and we represent maritime workers nationwide. 

Our main goal is to help you receive the compensation you need to care for your injuries and cope with any adjustments you may have to make. We believe in providing legal services our clients can rely on, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. If we do not recover the compensation you deserve for your vision loss or eye injury, we won't charge you a dime in legal fees. This is just one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to our clients.

For a free consultation, call (888) 346-5024 or contact us online.

Types of Offshore Eye Injuries

Working offshore exposes employees to numerous hazards, many of which can lead to eye injuries that range from mild irritations to severe, potentially sight-threatening conditions. Injuries that cause impaired vision or blindness create a lifetime of struggle for victims. This is why injured seamen deserve the maximum possible compensation for their needs.

Common eye injuries in offshore environments include:

• Foreign Particles in the Eye: Small particles like dust, metal shavings, or wood chips can become lodged in the eye, causing irritation, pain, and potential damage to the eye tissue.
• Fractured Eye Socket from Blunt Force: High-impact accidents, such as being struck by heavy equipment, can lead to a fractured eye socket, which can cause serious complications and require surgical intervention.
• Blurred Vision: Exposure to harsh chemicals, bright lights, or traumatic injuries can result in temporarily or permanently blurred vision. This can occur in varying degrees depending on the extent of damage.
• Corneal Abrasions: The cornea can be scratched or abraded due to contact with abrasive materials or during accidents or trauma, leading to pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
• Blindness: In severe cases, accidents or exposure to hazardous substances can lead to partial or complete loss of vision, significantly impacting a worker's quality of life and their ability to return to work.
• Lacerations: Sharp objects or flying debris can cause cuts to the eye or eyelid, potentially leading to vision loss.

These injuries can result from various incidents, including falling objects, explosions, and malfunctioning equipment. No matter the severity of the injury—from minor irritations to significant vision impairment—it is crucial for affected workers to seek legal counsel. An experienced offshore eye injury attorney can provide essential guidance and representation, seeking fair compensation in line with the specific nature and impact of their eye injury.

Coping with an Eye Injury

Experiencing an eye injury while working offshore can lead to a challenging period of adjustment and recovery for a worker. One of the immediate concerns is obtaining appropriate medical care, which can range from emergency treatment to prolonged therapies. For some, this may involve multiple surgeries or specialized treatments. In cases of significant vision impairment or blindness, the worker may need to learn new skills, such as using assistive technologies or navigating with a cane. Home adaptations may also be needed, like voice-activated systems.

The professional implications of an eye injury are substantial, especially in a field as physically demanding and visually reliant as offshore work. Many find that returning to their previous occupation is no longer possible, leading to a career crossroads. This shift can entail retraining for a new role or, in some cases, facing the reality of not being able to work at the same capacity. The financial strain of medical bills, potential loss of income, and the costs associated with rehabilitation and home modifications can be overwhelming. 

These challenges make taking legal action all the more important. When you involve a firm that has extensive experience in maritime law, specifically related to eye injuries, you will be in a far better position to get the treatment and financial compensation you need to put the pieces of your life back together and move on.

Choose a Skilled Offshore Eye Injury Attorney

Navigating the legal aspects of an offshore eye injury can be extremely difficult. Under maritime law, specifically the Jones Act, injured seamen have the right to sue their employers for negligence that led to their injury. This legal process can be intricate and requires a deep understanding of maritime law. The burden will lie on the offshore worker (and their attorney) to prove the employer’s negligence. A case could also be filed on a claim of unseaworthiness, a defective or poorly designed product, or negligence by a third party.

It takes a skilled attorney to assess the claim, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement or fight for a verdict that reflects the true extent of the injury’s impact on the worker's life and livelihood.

If you are dealing with impaired vision or blindness due to an accident that occurred offshore, it is vital to contact an experienced lawyer so you can pursue the full care and compensation you deserve. Known as the nation’s leader in maritime law, Arnold & Itkin has the experience and track record you can count on. We have handled the biggest maritime cases and have won more than $20 billion for our clients. We fight to make things better for offshore workers.

Contact our offshore eye injury lawyers today at (888) 346-5024 for your free consultation.