Your eyesight is one of your most valuable senses, and an eye or vision injury can have a devastating impact on your quality of life. Whether caused by an accident, medical malpractice, defective products, or workplace hazards, eye injuries can result in partial or total vision loss, affecting your ability to work, drive, and live independently.
If you or a loved one has suffered an eye or vision injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Eye and Vision Injuries
Eye injuries can result from a variety of accidents and incidents, many of which are preventable and caused by negligence. Common causes include:
Workplace Accidents
- Chemical exposure – Common in construction, manufacturing, and lab environments.
- Flying debris or particles – Can cause corneal abrasions or punctures.
- Welding and electrical hazards – Resulting in flash burns and retinal damage.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Airbag deployment – Can cause blunt force trauma to the eyes.
- Glass shards from broken windows – Leading to serious lacerations or vision loss.
Medical Malpractice
- Surgical errors – Mistakes during eye surgeries, such as cataract or LASIK procedures.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment – For conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Product Defects
- Defective safety goggles or eyewear – Failing to protect eyes during dangerous activities.
- Faulty medical devices – Such as implanted lenses that cause complications.
Assault or Physical Trauma
- Blunt force injuries – Resulting from violent assaults or sports-related accidents.
A San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify the cause of the injury and determine liability.
Common Types of Eye and Vision Injuries
Eye injuries can range from minor irritation to severe, life-altering damage. Some of the most common types include:
- Corneal abrasions – Scratches on the surface of the eye, causing pain and blurred vision.
- Chemical burns – Exposure to toxic substances that damage the eyes.
- Retinal detachment – A medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Optic nerve damage – Can result in partial or total blindness.
- Orbital fractures – Fractures of the bones surrounding the eye, often caused by trauma.
- Cataract formation – Can develop prematurely due to eye injuries or radiation exposure.
If you’ve suffered a serious eye injury, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and contact a San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer to protect your legal rights.
Long-Term Consequences of Vision Injuries
Eye and vision injuries can have permanent and far-reaching effects on a person’s life, including:
- Loss of independence – Difficulty performing daily tasks such as reading, driving, or cooking.
- Emotional and psychological impact – Anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
- Reduced earning capacity – Many vision loss victims are unable to return to their previous jobs.
- Increased medical costs – Ongoing treatment, assistive devices, and therapy.
A San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer will work with medical experts and rehabilitation specialists to assess the full impact of your injury and ensure you receive the compensation you need for long-term care.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Eye or Vision Injury?
Depending on the cause of the injury, several parties may be held liable in an eye or vision injury lawsuit:
- Employers – For failing to provide proper safety equipment or a safe work environment.
- Drivers – For causing accidents resulting in eye injuries.
- Medical professionals – For surgical errors or failure to diagnose and treat eye conditions.
- Product manufacturers – For selling defective safety equipment or medical devices.
A San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer will investigate your case to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Compensation Available in an Eye and Vision Injury Lawsuit
Victims of eye and vision injuries may be entitled to significant compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. Possible damages include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Future medical costs – Long-term treatment and assistive devices such as glasses or prosthetic eyes.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity – If the injury prevents you from returning to work.
- Home modifications and assistive technology – Adaptive equipment for vision impairment.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, and PTSD resulting from vision loss.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Reduced ability to participate in daily activities.
- Loss of consortium – Impact on relationships with family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
How a San Diego Eye and Vision Injury Lawyer Can Help
Filing an eye and vision injury lawsuit requires legal expertise and access to medical professionals who can testify on your behalf. An experienced San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer can:
- Investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Consult with medical experts and ophthalmologists to assess the extent of your injury.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
With a skilled attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal battle.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Eye and Vision Injury Claims
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury and medical malpractice claims:
- Two years from the date of the injury for personal injury claims.
- One year from the discovery of the injury for medical malpractice claims.
- Six months for claims against government entities.
Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s essential to contact a San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Recent Eye and Vision Injury Settlements in California
Several high-profile eye and vision injury cases in California have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, including:
- $7.8 million for a worker who suffered chemical burns to the eyes due to lack of proper safety equipment.
- $5.3 million for a patient who experienced permanent vision loss due to a misdiagnosed retinal condition.
- $4.1 million for a driver blinded in one eye after being hit by a defective airbag.
These cases highlight the importance of strong legal representation in securing fair compensation.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock?
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we are dedicated to helping eye and vision injury victims recover the compensation they need. We offer:
- Decades of experience handling personal injury and medical malpractice cases.
- Access to top medical experts and ophthalmologists.
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- Aggressive representation to fight for maximum compensation.
Contact a San Diego Eye and Vision Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered an eye or vision injury, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. A San Diego eye and vision injury lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). Preventing Workplace Eye Injuries. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org
- National Institutes of Health. (2024). Common Causes of Vision Loss and Injury. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov
- California Department of Public Health. (2024). Occupational Eye Safety Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.cdph.ca.gov