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Eye injuries can be extremely serious, affecting your daily life and ability to work. If you’ve suffered an eye injury, it’s important to know what compensation you might be entitled to and the steps to take to secure it. This guide will help you understand the types of compensation available, how to claim it, and why specialised legal support is crucial.

Types of Eye Injuries and Compensation

1. Total Loss of Sight and Hearing

• Compensation Amount: Up to £500,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: This is for the most severe cases where a person loses both their eyesight and hearing. It reflects the massive impact on their life and independence.

2. Complete Loss of Sight in Both Eyes

• Compensation Amount: Around £350,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: Losing sight in both eyes is devastating and significantly affects a person’s quality of life.

3. Loss of Sight in One Eye

• Compensation Amount: £80,000 to £250,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: If one eye is lost and the other has issues like double vision or sympathetic ophthalmia (deterioration of the remaining eye), the compensation is higher.

4. Loss of Sight in One Eye with Cosmetic Impact

• Compensation Amount: £70,000 to £90,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: When one eye is lost but the other works well, the amount depends on factors like the client’s age, any psychiatric impact, and visible scarring.

5. Permanent but Minor Injuries

• Compensation Amount: £12,000 to £26,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: For injuries like occasional double vision or light sensitivity, which are less severe but still permanent.

6. Temporary Eye Injuries

• Compensation Amount: £2,500 to £5,000 for pain and suffering.
• Details: For injuries that heal within a few weeks and cause minor vision problems.

Steps to Get Compensation

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Importance: Immediate and thorough medical treatment is crucial. Medical reports will be vital in proving the extent of your injury and its impact on your life.

2. Document Everything

• Details: Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. Photographs of the injury and any visible impacts can also be helpful.

3. Get Legal Support

• Why: A solicitor with experience in serious injury claims can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you get the best possible compensation. They will handle all the legal details, allowing you to focus on recovery.

4. Gather Evidence

• How: Your solicitor will help collect evidence, such as witness statements and CCTV footage, to prove negligence or fault.

5. Rehabilitation and Care

• Details: Make sure to get the necessary rehabilitation and care. Your solicitor can arrange for these costs to be covered by the defendant, including aids like prosthetic eyes or special equipment.

6. Negotiation and Settlement

• Process: Negotiations may take time. Your solicitor will use strong evidence to argue for a fair settlement. Be prepared for initial lower offers from defendants, but with persistence, a higher settlement can be secured.

Key Points to Remember

• Comprehensive Compensation: Includes not just pain and suffering but also lost wages, care costs, and any aids you need for daily life.
• Specialist Solicitors: Essential for navigating the legal complexities and securing the right compensation.
• Detailed Evidence: Medical reports and other evidence are crucial to proving your case.
• Persistent Negotiation: Negotiations might take time, but persistence can lead to a fair settlement.

Conclusion

Eye injuries are serious and require expert legal handling to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. At IMD Solicitors LLP, we have extensive experience in personal injury law and can provide the support and guidance you need. If you or someone you know has suffered an eye injury, contact us to learn more about your rights and how we can help you secure the best possible outcome.

This article guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. This article was created on 24/06/2024. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

Call us now to discuss your case 0330 107 0107 or email us at info@imd.co.uk.