Eye Injury Compensation Claims

Can I make an eye injury claim?

You may be able to claim compensation if your eye injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Common causes of eye injury claims include:

• Workplace accidents, such as a chemical splash, falling objects, lack of eye protection
• Road traffic accidents, such as a car crash or pedestrian accident
• Public liability incidents, such as a slip or trip in a public place
• Medical negligence, such as a misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment

To bring a successful claim, you must show:

• You suffered a physical eye injury or loss of vision
• The injury was caused by someone else’s failure to take proper care
• You have experienced financial or emotional consequences as a result

Common types of eye injury claims

Workplace eye injuries

Workplaces can pose significant risks to eye health, particularly in industries involving:

• Chemicals or hazardous materials
• Flying debris or dust
• Welding, construction or manufacturing

Employers have a legal duty to provide protective equipment and training. If they fail to do so and you suffer an injury, you may be able to make a work-related eye injury claim.

Medical negligence involving the eyes

Many eye injury claims arise from failures by doctors or optometrists to properly diagnose or treat eye conditions. These can include:

• Delayed diagnosis of glaucoma – can lead to irreversible sight loss
• Misdiagnosed optic neuritis – linked to multiple sclerosis, but often confused with migraines or other conditions
• Medication errors – including wrong doses or prescribing contraindicated drugs
• Surgical mistakes – such as incorrect lens implantation during cataract surgery

Brain tumours mistaken for eye problems

There have been cases where patients presenting with vision loss were incorrectly diagnosed with glaucoma or macular degeneration, when in fact they had a brain tumour. Failing to detect serious underlying causes can result in life-altering consequences.

What are the effects of an eye injury?

Eye injuries can range from mild irritation to permanent blindness. Some of the more serious outcomes include:

• Partial or total loss of sight
• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Difficulty working, driving or performing daily tasks
• Long-term mental health effects such as anxiety and depression

Compensation can help cover:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Loss of earnings or future earning capacity
• Care and support needs
• Travel expenses
• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity

How much compensation could I receive?

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on:

• The severity of your injury
• Whether the injury is temporary or permanent
• The impact on your life and ability to work
• Your financial losses and ongoing care needs

As a general guide the typical compensation ranges are:

• Minor eye injury £3,000 – £8,000
• Loss of vision in one eye £50,000 – £60,000+
• Total blindness £200,000+

*Figures are illustrative. Your solicitor will advise you based on the specifics of your case.

How to claim compensation for an eye injury

The claims process for an eye injury compensation claim typically involves the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an eye injury. This will help ensure you receive the necessary treatment and provide valuable evidence for your claim.
2. Gather Evidence: You should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This can include medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photographs.
3. Contact a Solicitor: You should contact a specialist personal injury solicitor with experience handling eye injury compensation claims. They will be able to provide you with advice and guidance on the claims process and help you build a strong case.
4. Submit a Claim: Your solicitor will submit a claim to the responsible party or insurance company. This will include a detailed account of the accident, your injuries, and the financial losses you have suffered.
5. Negotiate a Settlement: Your solicitor will negotiate a settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company. This may involve a series of offers and counter-offers until a satisfactory settlement is reached.
6. Attend Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may advise you to attend court. This will involve presenting your case to a judge and jury, who will then decide on the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

It is essential to note that the claims process can be complex and time-consuming. It is therefore recommended that you seek the advice and guidance of a specialist personal injury solicitor who has experience in handling eye injury compensation claims.

Why choose Osbornes Law?

• Ranked in Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for personal injury and clinical negligence
• Specialist expertise in eye injuries and complex claims
• No Win, No Fee representation available
• Approved by APIL
• Decades of experience helping clients get the compensation they deserve

We understand how life-changing an eye injury can be. Our lawyers are here to support you with compassion, expertise, and a clear plan of action.

Start your eye injury claim today

If you’ve suffered an eye injury due to negligence, don’t delay in getting legal advice. Time limits apply, and early legal support can make all the difference to your case.

• Call 020 7485 8811 or
• Fill in the contact form for a no-obligation consultation.