Toledo Eye Injury Lawyers
Many people associate serious accidents with certain injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, or spinal cord damage. However, the reality is that a significant number of accident victims face equally severe, although less well-known injuries. Eye injuries, for example, can result in permanent damage, leaving victims to struggle with vision loss or other side effects for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, those who are injured at work or by someone else’s negligence may be able to collect compensation to cover the cost of their injuries, so if you suffered an eye injury in an accident, you should consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you file a claim.
Blunt Force Trauma
Some of the most serious eye injuries are caused by blunt force trauma, which can result in:
- Orbital fractures, which involve breaks in the facial bones surrounding the eye;
- Lacerations to the eyelid or cornea;
- Vitreous hemorrhage, which involves bleeding in the back portion of the eye;
- Traumatic iritis, which occurs when the muscles that control the amount of light that enters the pupil become inflamed; and
- Corneal abrasions, which occur when the transparent tissue located in front of the pupil and iris becomes scratched.
Symptoms of these types of eye injuries include pain, blurred vision, double vision, eyelid swelling, numbness, bruising, and redness.
Although anyone who suffers blunt force trauma to the head or face could sustain an eye injury, individuals who work in certain occupations or participate in particular activities are especially at risk of injury. For instance, many eye injuries are the result of trauma suffered in a contact sport, such as boxing, wrestling, football, or soccer.
Chemical Exposure
Those who work in and around hazardous chemicals are also at risk of suffering from chemical exposure and burns, usually as a result of a strong acid or alkali splashing into the eye. In severe cases, these liquids can cause permanent damage to the ocular surface, in addition to pain and swelling. Contact with hot air and steam are also common causes of eye injuries, although anyone who works with battery acid, bleach, certain cleansers, and fertilizers are at risk of sustaining an eye injury if they fail to use protective goggles and masks. Exposure to high-intensity light is another common cause of eye injury, especially for those who work with welding tools.
Foreign Objects
Even something as simple as having a foreign object in the eye can cause serious injuries, such as:
- Corneal scratches;
- Bleeding between the iris and hyphen; and
- Damage to the structures inside of the eyeball.
Taking certain safety measures when using power tools or chemicals can go a long way towards preventing these types of accidents, which include wearing safety glasses, goggles, or face shields. Even health care professionals are advised to use protective eyewear to reduce the chance of a foreign object or substance getting into their eyes.
Call Today to Speak With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Eye injuries can have permanent and life-changing consequences, so if you sustained this type of injury in an accident or at work, please contact one of the knowledgeable and compassionate personal injury lawyers at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC by calling our office.
FAQs About Ohio Eye Injuries
While some eye injuries, such as scratches, heal quickly, others require immediate medical attention. Signs of a serious eye injury include:
- Persistent pain or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye
- Vision changes like blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight
- Visible bleeding or unusual redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling around the eye or eyelid
If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Documenting your medical treatment is also vital for any future legal claims.
The value of an eye injury claim varies significantly based on the specifics of the case. Key factors include:
- Severity of the injury: Permanent blindness or vision loss typically results in higher compensation than temporary issues.
- Medical expenses: This includes current bills and estimated future care costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work and reduced earning capacity.
- Impact on quality of life: Damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Losing an eye is a catastrophic injury that dramatically alters your life. In these cases, compensation aims to cover not just medical bills but also the prosthetics and emotional adjustments required. You may be entitled to significant damages for permanent disability, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Yes, you may still have a valid claim. While failing to wear safety gear might be raised by the defense to argue “comparative negligence,” it does not automatically bar you from recovery. If your employer failed to provide necessary equipment, or if a defective product would have caused the injury regardless of safety gear, you can still pursue damages.
Sports injuries often involve an “assumption of risk,” but this does not cover every situation. You may have grounds for a lawsuit if the injury resulted from:
- Defective sports equipment (like a helmet or visor)
- Intentional misconduct or aggression outside the rules of the game
- Negligent supervision or coaching
Consulting with an attorney can help clarify if negligence played a role in your specific situation.
