If you meet the Workers’ Compensation definition for permanent vision loss in one or both eyes, you may get more money than you expected. We can help you prove permanent total disability for vision loss and explain all the benefits you’re entitled to from Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 152, § 36, permanent vision loss is a specific injury that makes workers entitled to extra money from Workers’ Compensation. How much you get depends on the current state average weekly wage (AWW) and whether you’ve lost vision in one or both eyes. Medical records and witness statements help us prove permanent vision loss due to occupational accidents. For permanent and total disability, claimants can get Workers’ Compensation benefits indefinitely in Massachusetts.
Call our Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation lawyers at (617) 925-6407 and discuss your case for free with the Law Office of John J. Sheehan.
How Does Massachusetts Define Permanent Vision Loss for Workers’ Compensation?
Sight loss is an unfortunate yet common injury in the construction and manufacturing industries, among many others. Workers’ Compensation may provide extra damages to claimants whose injuries cause permanent vision loss in Massachusetts, so let our lawyers see if that applies in your case.
Permanent vision loss includes loss of sight by enucleation. This is the surgical removal of the eyeball, often due to severe injury. Total loss of use of one or both eyes is also considered permanent vision loss.
Permanent injury to one eye that prevents you from using both eyes together also warrants additional money from Workers’ Compensation. As does the reduction of vision in one or both eyes to twenty-seventieths of normal vision, with glasses.
Correctible permanent but partial reduction of vision is also a specific injury for Workers’ Compensation, and our lawyers can see if your injuries meet this definition.
How to Calculate Workers’ Compensation for Permanent Vision Loss in Massachusetts
Permanent vision loss may mean years of medical expenses and lost wages for injured workers. Permanent vision loss is one of the “specific injuries” that warrant additional money from Workers’ Compensation. These payments are on top of your normal medical and lost-wage benefits, not in place of them.
Loss of Vision in One Eye
Suppose you suffer permanent vision loss in one eye due to a workplace injury. In that case, you can receive a one-time additional payment from Workers’ Compensation of 39 times Massachusetts’ statewide average weekly wage. The state AWW in 2025 is $1,829.13, and is adjusted annually.
Loss of Vision in Both Eyes
Suppose you suffer permanent vision loss in both eyes because of an on-the-job accident in Massachusetts. In that case, you may get a larger one-time additional payment from Workers’ Compensation. This specific injury benefit should be 96 times the state AWW at the time of injury.
Partial Vision Loss in One or Both Eyes
Claimants may even get extra compensation for correctible permanent but partial loss of vision in one or both eyes of seven times the state AWW.
How Do You Prove Permanent Vision Loss for Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts?
Let us help you prove permanent vision loss for Workers’ Compensation after an at-work accident in Massachusetts.
Medical Records
Medical records can firmly prove permanent vision loss for Workers’ Compensation in Massachusetts. Visual acuity tests, complete eye exams, surgical reports, neuroimaging, and specialists’ notes are all important evidence.
Prioritize your health after suffering a permanent eye injury and get whatever medical attention is necessary. Medical evidence proving you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and will never regain vision in one or both eyes can support your claim for benefits.
Witness Statements
We can also use witness statements to establish permanent vision loss and its cause. Fellow employees can confirm the accident’s cause and that you were injured at work. We can prepare you to answer questions about your permanent disability due to a workplace accident as well.
How Long Can You Get Permanent Total Disability Benefits for Vision Loss?
You will get the specific injury benefit for loss of vision in one or both eyes once. You will get ongoing compensation for lost wages and medical expenses for much longer, however.
You may qualify for permanent and total disability Workers’ Compensation benefits for total vision loss. Workers’ Compensation will first pay out your temporary total disability benefits, which equate to 60% of your AWW before the accident. These payments last for 156 weeks, and when they expire, turn into permanent and total incapacity benefits.
Your benefit should then increase to two-thirds of your AWW, not to exceed the statewide average. If your vision loss is permanent, you should get these lost-wage benefits indefinitely.
Workers’ Compensation should also continue to pay all medical bills related to your injury. You may need many surgeries, have to take prescription medications, and have countless follow-up visits with doctors about a severe eye injury. Even if you can ever work again in any capacity, Workers’ Compensation continues to cover reasonable and necessary medical costs.
Workers’ Compensation may request updated confirmation of a permanent injury periodically, so keep that in mind.
What if Workers’ Compensation Miscalculates Benefits for Vision Loss?
If Workers’ Compensation miscalculates your specific injury payment for permanent vision loss, inform our lawyers. We can help you assert your deserved recovery of all benefits, including compensation for your lost wages.
Workers’ Compensation might deny specific injury payments for insufficient medical records or supporting evidence. In these situations, our Workers’ Compensation can appeal the decision, helping claimants organize updated medical evidence that is more compelling.
Do not accept any amount from Workers’ Compensation before our lawyers confirm it is accurate based on your injury, disability classification, and average weekly wage prior to the accident.
Call Us in Massachusetts for Help with Your Case Today
Call our Boston Workers’ Compensation lawyers at (617) 925-6407 and get a free case analysis from the Law Office of John J. Sheehan.