Car accidents in Dallas can lead to a wide variety of injuries – from broken bones to bruises. But one of the serious types that gets less attention is an injury to the eyes. These are scientifically known as ocular injuries, and they may occur more often than many people realize.
Your ability to see is without question a vital part of living and getting through a day. The loss of sight can have an impact on almost every aspect of life – work, hobbies, interaction with others, ability to drive, and more.
Car accidents cause eye injuries every day in the United States. According to the National Library of Medicine, there were 75,000 eye injuries that required hospital emergency department treatment in one recent eight-year period.
What causes eye injuries and Vision Loss in accidents?
Common ways that victims suffer eye damage in crashes include the following:
- Airbags: While airbags save lives, they unfortunately can sometimes cause eye injury. They deploy quickly and with great force. When they strike the face, they can lead to corneal abrasion and black eyes. Some victims can experience retinal detachment. Others might sustain traumatic cataracts (a clouding of the eye lens).
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in accidents. When the brain is injured, a person’s vision might be affected. They may experience double vision, blurry vision, or difficulty focusing on objects.
- Flying debris: The impact of a crash can cause glass, objects in the car, dirt, and other things to penetrate the eye. Debris can lead to cuts to the eye, corneal abrasions, and even permanent blindness
- Globe rupture: When the integrity of the eye is disrupted by an object, this is known as globe rupture. Such injuries require treatment by an ophthalmologist. Surgery is typically needed. In some cases, the eye cannot be saved.
- Orbital fracture: An accident that causes the bones around the eye to break is known as an orbital fracture, which can cause swelling that affects the ability to see. A broken or shattered bone can directly impact the eye.
- Eyelid injury: The eyelid protects the eye and is important for tear distribution and tear drainage. A cut to the eyelid might require stitches. Surgery is sometimes required to repair damaged eyelids.
- Cosmetic injuries: Damage to the eyes in a car accident can lead to a change in appearance that could have an adverse psychological impact on the victim. The loss of self-esteem could affect job performance and relationships with others.
How can an attorney help with an eye injury?
If you or a loved one sustained an eye injury after a car accident, you will likely need to pursue an insurance claim. On your own, you may feel overwhelmed by the claims process. Insurance companies have lawyers on their side to protect their bottom line. Adjusters sometimes will make a lowball offer, hoping the victim accepts and moves on. The offer generally is far less than the full extent of the losses.
Eye injuries can result in skyrocketing medical bills. Victims may have to end their careers or change jobs to accommodate their loss of sight. Vision loss can also have a wide-ranging impact on the quality of life. Victims may have to give up hobbies or change the way they live their lives and care for their families.
With so much at stake, it’s wise to contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation after an accident. Talk to a Dallas eye injury lawyer at The Marye Law Firm. We listen to our clients and work on their behalf to find the best path forward. We fight aggressively to pursue maximum compensation. Contact us today. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
