Vision Loss

Vision loss can profoundly impact an individual’s daily life. When vision impairment occurs due to an injury, accident, medical condition, or using medications like Elmiron, it disrupts the victim’s ability to interact with the world. If you or a loved one has experienced vision loss due to another party’s negligence, defective products, medical malpractice, or long-term medication use, the Schaumburg eye injury and vision loss lawyers at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD can help you seek financial recovery. With a proven track record in handling vision loss cases, we are committed to pursuing a settlement that accurately compensates you for the true impact of your injury.

If another party is responsible for your vision loss or blindness, contact an experienced eye injury lawyer at (847) 944-9400 to initiate your case.

Common Causes of Vision Loss

Vision loss injuries can profoundly impact a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain independence. While various factors contribute to vision loss injuries annually, several common causes exist, ranging from accidents to the use of dangerous medications.

Accidents involving blunt force trauma to the head or eye can cause severe damage to the eye’s structure, resulting in partial or complete vision loss. Traumatic eye injuries often occur in car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, and sports-related accidents. Exposure to harmful chemicals, whether suddenly or over time, may also lead to vision problems due to chemical burns or eye irritation. Workers in manufacturing and construction industries face a higher risk of sustaining chemical-related eye injuries.

When infections or other eye conditions are left undiagnosed or untreated, they can permanently affect a victim’s vision. Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis can damage the eye’s delicate tissues, leading to various levels of blindness. People with diabetes may develop diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar levels damage the retina’s blood vessels, resulting in vision loss.

Certain medications, such as Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium), may cause vision loss in consumers over time. These side effects may be known by the manufacturer or discovered as the rate of diagnoses increases in relation to medication consumption.

Levels of Vision Impairments

Similar to levels of hearing loss, blindness exists on a spectrum. As such, a victim’s vision may be affected in various ways after sustaining a vision loss injury.

The degrees of vision loss include:

Mild Impairment: Individuals with mild visual impairment struggle to read small print, recognize distant objects, or see in dim lighting. Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can improve their vision.

Moderate Impairment: Moderate visual impairment leads to more significant difficulties in daily activities. Those with moderate impairments have a limited field of vision, reduced ability to recognize faces or read standard-sized text, and may require visual aids to perform tasks.

Severe Impairment: People with severe visual impairment face substantial challenges in daily life. A significantly restricted field of vision characterizes severe impairments, difficulty reading large print, and the need for specialized devices or assistance for most activities.

Legal Blindness: Legal blindness is a specific level of visual impairment defined by government regulations. It establishes eligibility for disability benefits or special services. Legal blindness is typically defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, even with corrective lenses, or having a visual field limited to 20 degrees or less.

Total Blindness: Total blindness refers to the complete absence of vision. Individuals who are totally blind often rely on other senses, such as touch and hearing, to navigate and perform daily tasks.

Understanding the different levels of blindness can help you and your vision loss attorney define the anticipated impact of your newly acquired visual impairment on your daily life.

Do you know the value of your vision loss claim? Call Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD today and let one of our eye injury lawyers evaluate your claim with a free consultation.

How to Calculate Damages for Vision Injuries

The extent of the harm caused by your vision injury will impact the value of your vision loss claim.

When determining a fair settlement value for your case, you and your attorney will need to evaluate several factors, including:

Your Medical Expenses: Add up all medical costs related to the vision injury, including initial treatment, additional doctor visits, surgeries, medications, assistive devices, long-term medical treatment, and rehabilitation.

Your Lost Income: If your injury results in a temporary or permanent inability to work, your lost wages, benefits, and potential future earnings will be factored into your settlement.

The Level of Pain and Suffering You Experienced: Assigning a monetary value to the physical and emotional pain you endured can be more challenging than other damages. This is often calculated using a multiplier of the economic damages.

The Impact of Your Injuries on Your Life: Assess the impact of the vision impairment on your ability to enjoy activities you previously participated in and your relationships.

Punitive Damages: In rare cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

A vision loss attorney at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD can gather evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate with insurance companies or the responsible party to seek fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses incurred due to your injury.

Who Is Liable for My Eye Injury?

The person or party who might be liable for an eye injury depends on the way the injury was sustained. Identifying this responsible party will determine the type of case you will file.

Common types of vision loss claims and the liable party associated with them include:

Personal Injury Claims: If you sustained an eye injury due to someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, such as in a car accident, the person or entity at fault for the accident may be liable for your damages.

Product Liability Cases: If your eye injury resulted from a defective product, such as faulty safety equipment, hazardous chemicals, or unsafe medication, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable.

Premises Liability Claims: If your eye injury occurred on someone else’s property, such as slipping on a wet floor or getting hit by a falling object, the property owner or occupier may be liable if they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment.

Medical Malpractice Cases: If your injury resulted from medical treatment errors, surgical errors, or misdiagnosis, medical professionals or healthcare facilities could be liable if they deviated from the accepted standard of care.

Workers’ Compensation Claims: Victims can recover damages through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance for vision loss injuries sustained in the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Loss Claims

How Much Is the Loss of an Eye Worth?

The value of the loss of an eye in a personal injury case depends on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, emotional impact, and other costs the victim sustains. Consulting a personal injury attorney is crucial to assess the unique circumstances of your case and calculate a fair settlement.

When Should I Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Victims should talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident or injury occurs. Consulting an attorney early allows them to preserve evidence, gather crucial information, and protect your rights. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, an attorney can assess the case’s value, provide legal guidance, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Waiting too long may result in lost evidence or missed deadlines, affecting your chances of a successful claim.

Is Laser Eye Surgery Dangerous?

Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, is generally considered safe and has a high success rate. However, like any medical procedure, it carries risks. Potential risks include dry eyes, glare, halos, or double vision. In rare cases, complications may lead to vision loss or reduced visual acuity. If eye surgery causes you to sustain vision loss, an attorney can help you hold the negligent healthcare provider accountable for your injuries.

Request A Free Case Evaluation