Wisconsin car accidents can result in devastating injuries that could have permanent effects, such as permanent impairment or loss of vision. Even if you do not get hit in the eyes, you could suffer a traumatic brain injury that impairs your vision.
In our blog below, our Sigman Janssen legal team explores the types of eye injuries that can result from car crashes, how they can occur, possible long-term complications and the potential value of an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury due to a car crash, our experienced auto accident lawyers in Oshkosh may be able to help. With millions of dollars recovered for our clients, we have the resources to help you recover the compensation you need. There are no costs or fees with our services.
There is no cost to speak with us: (877) 888-5201.
How a Collision Could Damage Your Eyes
A car collision can damage your eyes in several ways, whether through direct or indirect impact.
Direct Contact
The airbag, steering wheel, debris or something else could hit your eye with enough force to cause significant damage. For example, an airbag deploys with such force that it can cause an orbital fracture.
Debris
Shattered glass from the window or windshield or other objects can pierce your eye, causing surface scratches or even deep lacerations.
Chemicals
If your car suffers significant damage and you get trapped inside, you could be exposed to leaking fluid, like battery acid. This could result in temporary irritation or permanent damage.
Eye Injuries You Could Suffer in a Collision
The injuries listed below should never be taken lightly. Waiting to seek treatment could have lifelong consequences:
- Corneal abrasion: This refers to a scratch on the surface of your eye. This is a painful injury that can make your eyes more sensitive to light.
- Detached retina: This happens when your retina peels away from the supportive layer behind it, which can cause you to go blind if it is not treated right away.
- Damage to your optic nerve: This refers to trauma to the nerves in and surrounding your eye, which can lead to impaired vision or blindness.
- Black eye: You may dismiss a black eye as something that will heal on its own without treatment. It is caused by a direct blow to your eye, causing bleeding under the skin around it. A black eye may be a symptom of a worse injury, which is why immediate medical care is important. You need to confirm if it really is not a big deal.
- Hyphema: This refers to blood in your eye’s anterior chamber, which may put you at higher risk of glaucoma due to pressure on your eye.
- Orbital fractures: These are breaks in the bones surrounding your eye, that could affect your vision and eye movement. Victims may experience double vision and cause physical deformity on the face.
- Lacerations: These refer to cuts on your eyelid or eyeball from shattered glass or debris.
- Globe rupture: A rupture is a serious injury that refers to penetration or rupturing of the outer membrane of your eyeball.
- Traumatic cataracts: This refers to clouding of your eye’s lens because of trauma.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: This refers to bleeding into the clear gel that fills your eye between the lens and the retina.
Long-Term Complications From Eye Injuries
Eye injuries sustained in car accidents can create long-term complications such as:
Permanent Vision Loss
As mentioned, some eye injuries, such as globe ruptures, traumatic cataracts or retinal detachment, can lead to partial or complete blindness. Vision loss may prevent you from being able to return to work, require you to change careers or force you to make other major life changes. For example, you may need in-home assistance or lose your ability to drive.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort
Eye injuries like orbital fractures can cause long-lasting pain or discomfort that may require you to seek pain management, such as medication.
Psychological Impact
Vision changes or loss can cause depression, anxiety and social withdrawal. Being unable to perform daily activities independently can create feelings of helplessness and frustration that affect you mentally and emotionally.
What Is the Value of a Car Crash Eye Injury Claim?
The value of an eye injury claim will vary based on many things. Factors, such as the severity of your injury, medical costs, lost wages (if any) and the impact on your quality of life, may determine how much your claim is worth. In the most severe cases, such as permanent blindness, your future medical costs, like modifications to your home and decreased earning potential can be factored into your claim.
An experienced lawyer can assist in calculating the value of a car crash eye injury claim by considering all your medical costs, both short-term and long-term, as well as damages that cannot be easily calculated, such as your pain and suffering.
Our experienced lawyers at Sigman Janssen know what it takes to gather the necessary evidence, including medical records and expert opinions to bolster your case. We also have significant experience negotiating with insurance companies effectively to ensure that we reach a fair settlement that addresses all the damages you incurred. Many cases are settled out of court, but, if necessary, we are prepared to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve in the courtroom.
Call Sigman Janssen for Help Seeking Compensation for Your Eye Injury
At Sigman Janssen, we understand the life-changing impact these injuries have, including the physical, mental and financial impacts.
Our experienced team is committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can support you through this difficult time. If we accept your case, you will not be charged any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call to set up your free, no-obligation consultation today: (877) 888-5201.