Eye Injury Workers' Compensation in San Francisco, California
Quick Answer
Eye Injury claims are reported by workers across San Francisco, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$200,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. An experienced attorney who knows the San Francisco board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Eye Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$200,000+
- San Francisco area settlements average $72,300 across all injury types
- Your WCAB office: 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
- 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 Francisco avg. across all injuries: $72,300
San Francisco WCAB Office
Street parking is extremely difficult. We strongly advise using the Civic Center BART/Muni station. The nearest paid lot is the UC Law SF garage on McAllister.
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
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
Foreign body removal
Surgical removal of embedded material from the eye surface or interior
Typical timeline: Single procedure with 1-2 week recovery
Ophthalmology consultation
Specialist evaluation to assess damage extent and develop treatment plan
Typical timeline: Initial consultation within 24-48 hours of injury
Factors That Affect Your Eye Injury Settlement in San Francisco
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 Francisco
- 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 Francisco WCAB office is at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Eye Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Francisco
Eye Injury in San Francisco FAQ
What is the average eye injury workers' comp settlement in San Francisco?
Eye Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$200,000+. The overall average settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. 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 Francisco?
San Francisco workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (415) 703-5011. 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 Francisco?
Most eye injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Francisco WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Francisco board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Injured at Work in San Francisco?
Our attorneys handle eye injury claims at the San Francisco 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.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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