What is a typical cash settlement for loss of vision in one eye ( happened at job)?

Question

My husband had a work related accident in the state of Illinois, USA. He sustained 3 surgeries and couldn't work for 4 months. As a direct result of this accident, he has lost most of his vision , for life, in that eye. He is going to try to go back to doing the same job, but none the less, he is still without vision in that eye for good. Does anyone have any idea as to what a good cash settlement (from worker comp insurance)would be for a situation like this? Thanks.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, without having reviewed the medical records or knowing what it is your husband does for a living, it is hard to give you an "idea" of what a good cash settlement will bill. There is no hard and fast rule for settling ANY type of injury claim as each claim has a different set of circumstances and injury surrounding it.

Extend a settlement offer to workers comp, no matter how high a number or how outrageous it may sound to you or to them. You may very well have to negotiate with them, but it's important to listen to their counter offer. They always have a range to work within and they will most likely start with their lowest number.
The important thing to remember is YOU CAN TALK THEM UP to their highest number, and you'll know when you've reached it because they won't budge (where they did before).

Keep in mind however, they do know what they are doing. They are educated in the various injuries out there and they are very much aware of what the laws of your state will allow or disallow.
Their job is to objectively evaluate the claim, keep their insured (the employer) out of court, and settle the claim fairly, all within the confines of the law. They are not persuaded by tears, threats, or yelling.

There is no chart you enter in an age & injury and come up with a magic number. If there was, my job would be soo much easier and these types of claims would never see the inside of a courtroom.

Answer 2

I don't think there's a typical settlement - and the answer WILL vary from state to state. In some states, he might not get anything at all, unless it means he's lost the ability to do something - like drive? But most people with one eye can still drive, although it is a personal loss, it doesn't affect someone like, say the loss of a LEG.

If you have any doubts, you can ask a lawyer for a free consult, but don't sign anything - because they'll take 30% of whatever your settlement is, and the settlement amount is probably a straight chart where you plug in hubby's age, and move over to "vision - one eye" to get the number.

Answer 3

Every time I blink with my left eye it hurts, as if something is in it. But, when I put in my contacts, it feels better, but just resumes pain after I take my contact out at night. Help!