Eye injuries can occur in numerous contexts, and the results are often catastrophic. They can cause partial or permanent loss of vision that will impact virtually all aspects of a victim’s life. If you have suffered from an eye injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or as a result of a defective product, then you likely have a personal injury claim and can be entitled to compensation.
Common Types of Eye Injuries That Lead to Compensation Claims
Every type of eye injury has its challenges and dangers which vary widely. Here are some of the common types that may lead to an eye injury claim with the help of a personal injury lawyer:
- Retinal detachment is usually the cause of blunt trauma during a car accident or from airbags. It’s a serious condition that requires treatment as soon as possible, lest permanent loss of vision results.
- Corneal abrasion is a common eye injury at work. These painful scratches happen when foreign objects enter the eye.
- Chemical Burns, when the eyes suffer severe damage due to harmful substances one comes in contact with at work or due to faulty products.
- Penetrating eye injuries that are common in construction or industrial settings without regard to safety rules, these injuries can potentially bring major vision loss.
Eye Injuries in Different Settings
Eye Injuries in the Workplace
Eye injury at work is unfortunately common, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, including proper eye protection. If your eye was injured at a workplace, consult personal injury attorneys to know whether you are eligible for compensation.
Common causes of eye injuries at work include:
- Flying debris
- Chemical splashes
- Radiation exposure (e.g., welding flash)
- Blunt force trauma
Eye Injuries from Car Accidents: Airbags and More
Car accidents can lead to various eye injuries, with airbag eye injury being a notable concern. While airbags save lives, they deploy at high speeds and can cause eye trauma. Other car accident-related eye injuries may result from shattered glass or impact on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Medical Malpractice and Eye Surgery Errors
Eye surgery malpractice cases can arise from errors during procedures like LASIK, cataract removal, or other corrective surgeries. These cases fall under medical malpractice and require proving that the healthcare provider’s negligence led to your injury. Laser eye injury during cosmetic procedures is another area where medical professionals may be held liable for resulting damage.
How Much Compensation for Eye Injury Claims?
The amount of compensation you can receive for an eye injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the long-term medical care required. Compensation can cover:
- Medical Expenses: This includes treatment, surgeries, medications, and any necessary ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: If your eye injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Permanent Disability: In cases of permanent vision loss or impairment, compensation can be significant, as it considers the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Types of compensation for eye injuries may include:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future care costs
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence
An eye injury lawyer can help you determine how much compensation for eye injury claims you might be eligible to receive and will advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process.
The Process of Filing Eye Injury Claims
Filing claims for eye injuries involves the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the incident and your injuries
- Consult a personal injury attorney
- Gathering of evidence and medical records
- File the claim with the appropriate party (e.g., insurance company, employer)
- Negotiate the settlement or prepare litigation.
Keep in mind that there are limits to filing claims, often discussed as statutes of limitations. For this reason, one should not delay seeking the advice of counsel lest critical time limits be missed. In Miami, Florida, for example, the statute for a personal injury claim is 2 years from the date of injury.
How an Eye Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you suffer an eye injury, you must seek attorney services as soon as possible. The advice of a lawyer may be necessary for either party to understand rights and make the same assertions possible in filing for a personal injury claim. They will work in the compilation of evidence, calling expert medical testimony, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure a fair award based upon your injuries can be had.
A lawyer present during workplace accidents, defective products, or medical malpractice cases increases one’s chances of emerging top regarding the case. They help clients to be in a position where they can make complex legal claims, verifying that all required documentation is available.
How to Prevent Eye Injuries
Compensation can help after an injury, but obviously, prevention is always better. Some tips to protect your eyes from injuries:
- Wear appropriate safety goggles or glasses when necessary
- Follow all safety protocols in the workplace
- Use protective eyewear during sports or other recreational activities
- Be careful and cautious with household chemicals and tools
- Go to regular eye check-ups to detect potential issues early
Contact Qualified Eye Injury Lawyer
Eye injuries can have a profound impact on your life, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. If you’ve suffered an eye injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have rights and options for seeking compensation.
An experienced eye injury lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact qualified personal injury lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your eye injury claim in Miami or throughout Florida. Call us at 305-371-2692.