Eye Injury Workers' Compensation in San Diego, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Eye Injury claims are common in San Diego's Biotech & Research sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$200,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Eye Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$200,000+
  • San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
  • Key San Diego industries with eye injury risk: Biotech & Research
  • Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
  • Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
  • Seek immediate medical attention and document the incident before leaving the worksite

Eye Injury Settlement Range

$30,000–$200,000+

San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100

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How Eye Injurys Happen in San Diego

Chemical splashes, UV light exposure, and laser equipment in biotech labs cause eye injuries despite safety protocols.

San Diego's economy relies heavily on Biotech & Research, making eye injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

San Diego WCAB Office

7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 767-2081

Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.

Eye Injury Symptoms to Document

Pain and redness

Severe eye pain, burning sensation, or redness indicating inflammation, chemical exposure, or trauma

Vision changes

Blurred vision, double vision, floaters, or partial vision loss suggesting corneal damage or retinal injury

Light sensitivity (photophobia)

Extreme sensitivity to light, often indicating corneal abrasion, arc flash injury, or chemical burn

Tearing or discharge

Excessive tearing, mucus discharge, or watery eyes suggesting irritation or infection

Foreign body sensation

Feeling that something is in the eye, may indicate embedded foreign material or corneal damage

Complete or partial vision loss

Inability to see clearly or at all from the affected eye, requiring immediate medical attention

Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp

Emergency eye irrigation

Immediate flushing of the eye with sterile saline solution, especially critical for chemical exposures

Typical timeline: Immediate treatment at injury scene or emergency room

Covered

Corneal abrasion treatment

Antibiotic drops, pain medication, and bandage contact lens for corneal scratches

Typical timeline: 3-7 days healing time with follow-up care

Covered

Foreign body removal

Surgical removal of embedded material from the eye surface or interior

Typical timeline: Single procedure with 1-2 week recovery

Covered

Ophthalmology consultation

Specialist evaluation to assess damage extent and develop treatment plan

Typical timeline: Initial consultation within 24-48 hours of injury

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Eye Injury Settlement in San Diego

Degree of vision loss

Direct correlation to settlement value

Partial vision loss ($50,000-$150,000) vs. complete vision loss in one eye ($200,000-$500,000+)

Binocular vs. monocular vision loss

Loss affecting both eyes dramatically increases settlement

Bilateral vision impairment can result in settlements exceeding $1,000,000

Permanence of injury

Temporary injuries settle far lower than permanent impairment

Corneal abrasion healing completely ($10,000-$25,000) vs. permanent corneal scarring ($75,000-$150,000)

Need for ongoing care

Lifelong vision correction or medical treatment adds substantial value

Future medical awards for ongoing ophthalmology care can add $20,000-$100,000

Filing Your Eye Injury Claim in San Diego

  • Seek immediate medical attention and document the incident before leaving the worksite
  • Identify and preserve any chemical containers, safety data sheets, or equipment involved
  • Photograph inadequate or missing eye protection equipment
  • Obtain witness statements from coworkers who saw the incident
  • Request copies of employer's safety protocols and training records for eye protection
  • Keep all medical records, including emergency room notes and ophthalmology reports
  • Document vision changes daily with specific examples of limitations
  • Get baseline and follow-up vision testing to establish extent of permanent impairment
  • The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Eye Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego

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Eye Injury in San Diego FAQ

What is the average eye injury workers' comp settlement in San Diego?

Eye Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$200,000+. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.

Where do I file a eye injury workers' comp claim in San Diego?

San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.

How long does a eye injury workers' comp case take in San Diego?

Most eye injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Diego WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Diego board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which San Diego industries have the highest eye injury risk?

In San Diego, eye injury claims are most common in the Biotech & Research industry. We frequently handle defense firms based in Mission Valley.

Injured at Work in San Diego?

Our attorneys handle eye injury claims at the San Diego WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.

Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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