Eye Injury Compensation Claims
It is all too easy to take our eyesight for granted, but damage to our visual system, including the brain, optic nerves, or eyes, due to injury can have devastating consequences.
Those affected by injuries affecting the eyes can suffer from loss of independence, anxiety, and a range of psychological and social impacts as a result of impaired or lost vision. This may result in being unable to return to work, undertake study, or complete tasks of daily living we take for granted.
It is for this reason that those in positions of responsibility have a duty to ensure that employees and members of the public are protected from any risk which may damage (amongst all other health implications) sight. For example, manufacturers must provide eye protection for workers using machinery which may cause foreign objects to damage the eye. If individuals or businesses have a duty to protect the health of staff or the public, but fail to do so, they may have been legally negligent, and in such circumstances, those affected may be able to file a claim for damages.
At Lavelle Partners, we have over three decades of experience of handling complex personal injury claims, including serious eye-related accidents. And as a result, we know first-hand how deeply traumatic eye injuries can be, not just from a physical and emotional perspective, but also financially, especially if the individual is unable to work.
Our team of specialist eye injury solicitors will handle all aspects of your claim against the negligent party on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your physical and psychological recovery and readjustment. Not only do we handle the legal aspects of your claim thoroughly and professionally, but we also provide empathetic support and guidance through the whole process, for you and your family.
What type of eye injury can I claim for?
It may be possible to bring a claim for a wide range of eye or visual system injuries, including (but not limited to):
- Damage to the visual cortex of the brain, or optic nerves
- Chemical burns
- Corneal abrasions
- Damage by foreign objects
- Penetration or cuts to the eye
- Physical impact to the eye
- Radiation damage
- Scratches
It may be possible to make a complete recovery from an eye injury with the aid of surgery or treatment. Unfortunately, some patients do have long-term consequences including pain, headaches, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or partial or total loss of sight.
Who is liable for my eye injury?
Eye injuries can be caused by accidents due to negligence in a range of contexts including (but not limited to):
- Workplaces
- Educational establishments
- Public facilities
- Road traffic accidents
- Healthcare settings
- Military facilities
- Supermarkets or other retail establishments
- Construction sites
Regardless of where the injury occurred, it will be necessary to establish who is at fault for the accident which led to the eye injury. Depending on the situation, this may be a local authority, public entity, building contractor, employer, a private company, or an individual.
Do I have grounds for an eye injury claim?
To bring a claim against a negligent party for your injuries, it will be necessary to prove:
- The party owed you a duty of care – if you were not owed a duty of care, no claim can be brought, and;
- The duty of care was breached, and;
- The breach of care led to an eye injury.
This means that in some contexts, it may not be possible to make a claim because there is a lack of proof that negligence occurred. One of our primary roles will be to establish if there are grounds for a claim and if so, to create a compelling case that proves the other party held legal culpability which they breached, leading to your injury.
If you are unsure if the circumstances of your eye injury are grounds for a claim, please contact one of our eye injury solicitors today who will take the time to listen to the details of your case and advise you of your legal options.
What may a claim for eye injury cover?
Claims following eye injuries due to negligence may cover two areas of loss:
- Pain and suffering due to the injury;
- Specific costs resulting from the injury caused. This may cover costs already incurred, such as transport, accommodation, and medical treatment, and expected future expenses, such as physical therapy and care costs. You may also be able to claim for medically required eyewear.
The costs you receive will be based on the precise injuries suffered and the circumstances of the case.
How Lavelle Partners eye injury solicitors can assist you in bringing a claim
- Lavelle Partners have successfully managed many cases of eye injury caused by the negligence of another party.
- 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 personal injury claim.
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 for eye injury in Ireland, please contact Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800 or email Avril Scally at ascally@lavellepartners.ie
