Recovering Compensation for Vision Loss
Eyesight is a vital human sense, but our eyes are delicate structures, vulnerable to a range of injuries. While most of us instinctively close our eyes when we sense danger, some injuries are out of our control. Vehicle collisions, hazardous materials, poorly designed products, and other negligent actions can all lead to a damaging eye injury, including vision loss.
If you or a loved one suffered an eye injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, then you may be eligible for compensation. At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, our team is devoted to providing thorough legal aid to clients that have suffered debilitating injuries. If we take you on as a client, we can aggressively pursue a personal injury claim from the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation with a Fort Collins eye injury attorney, call (970) 212-4777.
Identifying an Eye Injury
Eye injury symptoms will depend on the type of injury sustained and the cause of the injury, but common eye trauma conditions can include:
- Corneal abrasion (scratched corneas): This type of injury can be caused by rubbing the eye when a foreign body is present or by being poked in the eye with an object. Symptoms of corneal abrasion include discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light. When the cornea is scratched, the eye also becomes more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
- Penetrating injuries: When a foreign object penetrates the eye’s structure, it is a medical emergency. If the object is metal, such as from shrapnel in a car accident, it can also mean that small particles have become embedded in the eye’s surface. This can also occur when you suffer a skull fracture, as fragments of bones can puncture the eye. Symptoms of penetrating eye injuries may include pain, double vision, blurred vision, or a foreign body sensation in the eye.
- Caustic substances/chemical burns: Eye exposure to an alkali substance is much more serious than acid exposure. Although acids cause burning and redness, many acids can be washed from the eyes fairly easily. Alkali substances, on the other hand, cause less immediate pain and redness, but can inflict more extensive damage to the eyes.
- Orbital blowout fracture: Breaks or cracks in the bones surrounding the eye can also damage its structure and limit your vision. These types of injuries are often the result of a blow to the head, such as in a vehicle collision or slip and fall. Common symptoms include bruising, swelling, and tenderness around the eye, as well as eye redness, double vision, and numbness in the cheek, nose, or teeth.
- Hyphema: This type of eye injury involves bleeding in the anterior chamber—the area between the cornea and the iris. It is caused by blunt force trauma to the eye and face. Symptoms include blurry, clouded, or blocked vision, as well as pain, sensitivity to light, and bleeding in the front of the eye.
Treatment will vary depending on each injury, but many involve surgery and medication to help a patient recover. In some cases, the damage can be irreversible, leading to a decreased sense of vision or even total blindness.
Eye Injury Complications
Determining if you have suffered an eye injury is not always a simple, straightforward matter. For example, blurry vision after an accident is a common symptom of a brain injury, especially when there has been no direct damage to the eyes. Symptoms of eye injuries can vary widely depending on what occurred, and what area of the body was affected by the collision.
That is why it is extremely important that you see a doctor after an accident, whether it was a slip and fall or a car crash, and to report all symptoms. Getting a full medical review as early as possible can prevent further harm, speed up your recovery process, and be invaluable to recovering compensation. If, after an accident, you experience any changes in your vision, request a vision test from your medical provider to see if there is any damage.
The Impact of Eye Injuries
An eye injury will ultimately influence every area of your life. You may have difficulty reading, watching movies, or even going outside if you are sensitive to light. In addition to your daily pleasures, you may suffer a drawback in your career, being unable to function at your job or continue with your passions. You may need corrective lenses, surgery, or, if you suffer from partial or total blindness, assistance with daily tasks. All of this adds to a reduced quality of life and sizable medical bills to ensure you can live comfortably.
Thus, a personal injury claim for an eye injury can involve a wide range of financial costs that you may be able to recover. Between both your financial worries and personal trauma, your claim can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical impairment
But to ensure not a single cent is left out of your claim, you will need the aid of an experienced legal team with a successful track record.
Compassionate Representation for Colorado Residents
At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, we have seen first-hand how debilitating a serious accident can be, especially if a victim suffers from a disability or decreased quality of life. That is why we only take on the most serious cases, so that we can provide our full attention to each client’s needs. Whether it is thoroughly investigating your case or getting you in contact with knowledgeable medical providers, our legal team is fully devoted to ensuring you receive the representation you deserve after an eye injury. To get started on your case, contact a Fort Collins personal injury attorney at (970) 212-4777.