Medical advancements mean that a wide range of eye conditions can be remedied which otherwise would have led to certain blindness only decades ago.
Specialist ophthalmic microscopes, instruments, and refined techniques mean that eye surgeons can replace lenses and reattach retinas, restoring full vision to patients. Eye surgery is also widely utilised for cosmetic reasons, including for the correction of congenital deformities, damage due to injury, and excessive fat and skin due to ageing. And outside of the conventional operating theatre, many undergo corrective laser surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Regardless of the setting in which eye treatments occur, physicians have a duty of care to protect our health, and failure to do so can constitute clinical negligence. Given the highly sensitive nature of the eye, the levels of care required are extremely high; even the smallest error can cause irreparable loss of sight.
Before proceeding with any surgery, the medical professional undertaking your procedure must explain the process and the risks associated.
What types of eye injuries may occur due to medical negligence?
A wide range of eye injuries may occur if ophthalmic procedures are not carried out with due care, including:
- Failure, delay or incorrect diagnosis of an eye condition
- Substandard cataract surgery
- Infection
- Scarring
- Loss of or impaired sight due to poor surgical technique
- Nerve damage
- Damage to optical nerves
- Damage to muscles of the eye
- Asymmetry of the eyes
- Removal of too much skin
- Damage to the eye surface
Can I bring a claim for eye injury caused by medical negligence?
To bring a claim for eye-related medical negligence, it will be necessary to provide evidence that:
- The standard of care you received fell below that of a competent physician of the same level, and;
- This negligence caused damage or injury.
To prove your case, we will compile evidence, including medical records and seek expert medical opinion.
How Lavelle Partners can assist you to bring a claim
- Lavelle Partners have successfully managed many cases of eye injury or damage due to medical negligence.
- Our team have been helping clients since 2004, with decades of combined experience across the team, and place client care at the centre of everything they do.
- From the first moment you speak to one of our solicitors, we will listen to your case carefully and with empathy and will only recommend advancing your case if we believe you have a valid case.
- We have both the legal expertise and understanding of the real-life challenges faced by individuals and their families following such events.
- Our solicitors will manage the process entirely on your behalf; compiling the information necessary for your case, including medical notes and managing the submission of your medical negligence claim.
- We will answer any subsequent questions and/or provide further information if required.
By allowing us to handle your claim on your behalf, you can focus on what is most important, your recovery and care, or that of your family member or loved one.
For further information on making a claim following medical negligence resulting in an eye injury in Ireland, please contact Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800 or email Avril Scally at ascally@lavellepartners.ie
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. This statement is made in compliance with RE.8 of SI 518 of 2002.
