Attorneys Seeking Compensation for Eye Damage, Blindness, and Vision Loss in NJ
Our eyes are one of our most valuable assets, and they allow us to experience the world around us. Unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to injury, which can seriously impact our vision and quality of life. Eye injuries can happen to anyone at any time, but with some basic knowledge and prevention techniques, we can reduce the risk of these injuries and protect our eyes.
Whatever the source or location of your eye injury, losing your vision is a medical problem that could profoundly impact your quality of life and work performance. It is imperative that anyone having any kind of visual alteration as a result of an accident file a claim for damages in Red Bank, Marlboro, Holmdel, Manasquan, Wall, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Hazlet, Deal, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and the greater New Jersey area. Call (732) 303-7857 or reach us online for a free consultation today.
How Do Eye Injuries Happen in Accidents?
Eye injuries can occur in many different ways. Blunt force trauma is a common cause of eye injuries and can occur from objects like a ball, rock, or even a fist. Penetrating injuries or foreign objects such as metal or wood shards can pierce the eye, causing serious damage. Chemical exposure is another very common injury to the eyes. Exposure to chemicals like acids, alkalis, and solvents can cause severe eye injuries. Exposure to UV light, lasers, and other types of radiation can lead to eye injuries such as burns and retinal damage. Eye infections can also lead to eye injuries and should be treated promptly.
The most common accidents outside of work include medical malpractice, for instance, LASIK eye surgery. Another common cause are accidents taking place on the road. Either car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, or bicycle accidents can lead to a severe eye injury. Once a piece of glass, or a pebble, gets into your eye, there is a high likelihood that you will suffer an injury. Another common cause of eye injury is outdoor or recreational activities. These all can occur, but it is more likely that if you suffer an eye injury, it would most likely occur at the workplace.
Spectrum of Severity for Eye Injuries
The consequences of eye injuries vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Eye injuries can be painful, causing a sensation of pressure or a foreign object in the eye. Redness of the eye can indicate inflammation or infection. Infection can lead to more serious eye injuries that can lead to vision changes. Blurred or distorted vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light can all be symptoms of an eye injury. Swelling around the eye can occur as a result of injury, infection, or allergic reactions.
More serious consequences of eye injuries can include memory problems and difficulty focusing on a specific object. Also, you may suffer a lack of depth perception, light sensitivity, and/or a blocked tear duct. The most common serious consequences include headaches and migraines, in addition to retina damage and, ultimately, blindness.
Steps to Take After an Eye Injury
Eye drops can be used to treat a range of eye injuries, including inflammation, infections, and dry eyes. In some cases, a patch may be placed over the affected eye to protect it from further injury and allow it to heal. More severe eye injuries may require surgical intervention, including repair of the eye’s surface or removal of foreign objects. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections caused by eye injuries.
Depending on the severity of the eye injury, it is important to immediately consult a doctor and retain all paperwork. It would then be prudent to contact your human resources department if this incident happened at work. Your next call should be to an experienced attorney who is seasoned in these specific types of cases.
Eye Injuries and Vision Loss in Workplace Accidents
A workplace accident will most likely lead to a workers’ compensation claim. These are claims that are handled through your employer. By law, your employer needs to have an insurance policy for their employees that are injured during the performance of their work duties. If the eye injury happens during the course of their work duties, then the insurance policy that your employer has can rectify any financial loss. However, there are certain times in which the performance of your work duties are unnecessarily exposing you to unreasonable harms. This can be seen as a form of negligence. These specific instances not only allow you to proceed with a workers’ compensation claim, but it also allows you to pursue a negligence claim against an employer who caused you the eye injury by breaching a duty of care that was owed to you.
How Can Eye Injuries Be Prevented?
Eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, can prevent injuries caused by flying debris, chemicals, and radiation. Rubbing your eyes can increase the risk of injury, especially if your hands are dirty or contaminated. Good hygiene can prevent the spread of infections that can cause eye injuries.
Speak to an Eye Injury Lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ
Our personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys are highly practiced with eye injury cases that have occurred at work and outside of work in New Jersey. Eye injuries can be serious, but by taking simple precautions and seeking prompt medical attention, we can reduce the risk of these injuries and protect our eyes.
However, by seeking the professional help of a lawyer that understands the risks and symptoms of eye injuries, we can take steps to not only maintain healthy vision for years to come but to ensure your justified compensation is paid. If you have suffered an eye injury in Manalapan, Jackson, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Rumson, Colts Neck, Stafford, Middletown, Ocean County, Monmouth County, or another part of New Jersey, contact a lawyer on our legal team for immediate assistance at (732) 303-7857. We are happy to review your case free of charge and to discuss your rights and legal options.