Eye injuries can be among the most complicated, long-lasting and expensive to treat. They can be caused by nearly any catastrophic accident. And even if insurance covers the cost of treatment, it can take a long time for a victim to recover from the physical and mental trauma.

In the spirit of Eye Injury Prevention Month in October, let’s discuss different types of eye injuries, their common causes, costs, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Eye Injury Causes

Physical trauma to the eye can result from various catastrophic injuries, such as car accidents, sports injuries, dog bites, or violent incidents. These injuries may range from minor scratches to severe damage requiring surgery.

The impact of a trucking collision, for example, could shatter a windshield and windows of a passenger car, propelling shards of glass into a victim’s eyes and face. An eye can be scratched, dislodged or need to be removed to prevent further damage. The eye injury would likely be one of many a victim would sustain, and the cost would be factored into the negotiated amount of a settlement.

An unsafe property, such as an unkempt government building or a local commercial office, could also be the site of an eye injury. Loose light fixtures and signs can fall on a visitor or customer and leave him or her severely injured, particularly if the item lands on the head.

And of course, animals bring their own set of risks. Dogs, cats, birds or other animals could be provoked or spooked for a variety of reasons and attack an unassuming bystander.

Who Could Be Liable In A GA/TN Eye Injury Claim?

A North Georgia or Tennessee injury victim could file a lawsuit against one or many parties if they sustain a severe eye injury, including:

Building owners and commercial property managers, who have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors. This includes implementing adequate security measures, maintaining the premises and keeping them clean, and addressing any potential hazards.
Pet owners, who are supposed to train their pets and keep them subdued or away from others if they are prone to violence.
All drivers, including commercial truckers and their employers, who are required to observe traffic rules and yield for pedestrians.

Eye Injury Prevention

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) sponsors Eye Injury Prevention Month, and regularly release data and report on trends. Did you know that:

More than 40% of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.
More than 78% of people were not wearing eyewear at the time of injury. Only about 5% of those who were wearing eyewear (including glasses or contact lenses), were wearing safety or sports glasses.
When very small children (age 4 and younger) are bitten by dogs, eye injuries occur about 15 percent of the time. The dog is usually one the child is familiar with, and second attacks by the same dog are likely to cause more serious injury.

Pritchard Injury Firm litigated a matter very similar to that scenario, when we represented the family of a six-year-old girl who was playing in the front yard of her North Georgia home when the neighbor’s dog viciously attacked her face. The homeowner’s insurance company initially denied liability. After filing suit, a $50,000 offer was made, but during mediation we settled for three times that amount.

Eye Injury Treatment Tips

If your eye has been cut or punctured, the AAO offers these preliminary tips, prior to seeing an ophthalmologist:

Gently place a shield (protective cover) over the eye. The bottom of a paper cup taped to the bones surrounding the eye can serve as a shield until you get medical attention.
Do not press the shield against the eye.
DO NOT rinse with water.
DO NOT remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
DO NOT rub or apply pressure to the eye.
Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs thin the blood and may increase bleeding.
After you have finished protecting the eye, get emergency medical help.

Why Are Eye Injury Claims So Expensive?

The high cost of treatment reflects the importance of preserving or restoring sight. Eye injuries can be costly to treat due to several factors:

Specialized Care and Surgery. Eye injuries often require treatment by ophthalmologists. The expertise and technology involved in eye and surgery contribute to higher costs.

Long-Term Care. Eye injuries can lead to complications or require long-term management, such as regular follow-ups, ongoing treatments, prosthetics or even vision therapy.

Impact on Quality of Life. Vision is one of the most critical senses, and any impairment can significantly affect a person's quality of life.

A qualified lawyer will factor in these details, along with any other others related to the injury in order to negotiate a settlement that will cover the costs and help the victim recover physically, financially and mentally.

Your GA/TN Injury Lawyer

Filing a personal injury claim quickly after an eye injury and consulting with an injury lawyer in North Georgia or Tennessee will help maximize the value for your physical, mental and emotional trauma.

Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve. ContactPritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.