My daughter is a plumbing apprentice. 3 years ago she was up a ladder, safety glasses on when a can of primer fell and spilled over her glasses and into both eyes. It was immediately reported as she got to the eyewash station. Paperwork was filled out by the company we both worked for at the time as well as by the general contractor of the site.
She went to a walk in clinic instead of the hospital because she felt ok. First mistake. Dr said her eyes looked irritated but that she was fine. A few months later she leaves the company to pursue other interests.
About a year ago she starts losing her peripheral vision. Goes to an eye Dr. The Dr couldn't believe the damage that was done and that the clinic Dr didn't send her to the hospital and say if he had of the damage would have been minimal but because it wasn't treated properly right away the primer continued to do damage. She sets up an appointment for a specialist to look at her eyes. A year goes by as she waits for the appointment. Last week she went in and again the Dr couldn't believe the damage. There's a few more tests to do but it looks like the accident has cause glaucoma. Untreated she could be blind in 5 years. Treatment will stop the damage but she will never get back what's already been damaged.
Here's the kicker - everyone is now trying to cover THEIR butt. The company we worked for says there was never an accident report filed. The Dr at the clinic says they can't find a record of her visit. Workers Comp says the victim has to file with a year of the accident. A personal injury lawyer says she spend years fighting and get nothing. So she facing meds and possible surgeries at her own expense. I'm going to make a few phone calls because there has to be a record somewhere either with the general contractor or the agency paying the Dr. (I don't imagine he worked for free).
To the young apprentices out there and long time plumbers - don't be timid. If you're in a workplace accident report it and follow up. Nag until everything is taken care of properly.
Sorry for the long rant
She went to a walk in clinic instead of the hospital because she felt ok. First mistake. Dr said her eyes looked irritated but that she was fine. A few months later she leaves the company to pursue other interests.
About a year ago she starts losing her peripheral vision. Goes to an eye Dr. The Dr couldn't believe the damage that was done and that the clinic Dr didn't send her to the hospital and say if he had of the damage would have been minimal but because it wasn't treated properly right away the primer continued to do damage. She sets up an appointment for a specialist to look at her eyes. A year goes by as she waits for the appointment. Last week she went in and again the Dr couldn't believe the damage. There's a few more tests to do but it looks like the accident has cause glaucoma. Untreated she could be blind in 5 years. Treatment will stop the damage but she will never get back what's already been damaged.
Here's the kicker - everyone is now trying to cover THEIR butt. The company we worked for says there was never an accident report filed. The Dr at the clinic says they can't find a record of her visit. Workers Comp says the victim has to file with a year of the accident. A personal injury lawyer says she spend years fighting and get nothing. So she facing meds and possible surgeries at her own expense. I'm going to make a few phone calls because there has to be a record somewhere either with the general contractor or the agency paying the Dr. (I don't imagine he worked for free).
To the young apprentices out there and long time plumbers - don't be timid. If you're in a workplace accident report it and follow up. Nag until everything is taken care of properly.
Sorry for the long rant