Many potential accidents and conditions can cause serious eye injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim could suffer permanent damage to their eyesight or even total blindness. If you or a family member suffered a serious eye injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia eye injury lawyer.
At the Reiff Law Firm, our injury lawyers can help you build your case and pursue an eye injury claim. Our lawyers have over 40 years of combined legal experience that will be used to help you fight your case. Our lawyers have served clients in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania and would be proud to serve you. To schedule a free legal consultation, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 515-8351.
Common Types of Eye Injuries
There are approximately 2.6 million eye injuries every year in the United States. In these 2.6 million injuries, about 50,000 people lose some degree of their vision.
One of the most common types of eye injuries is an eye scratch. Scratches to the eye usually occur because some foreign object enters it, like glass or debris in a car accident. If you believe that you suffered a scratch to your eye, you should seek immediate medical attention. A scratched eye could develop into a more serious condition very quickly if left untreated.
Another common type of eye injury is a chemical burn. Chemical burns usually happen when hazardous chemicals get directly into a person’s eyes or when a person rubs their eyes after handling chemicals or while they have residue on their hands. There is a possibility that your eyes can be affected by fumes and vapors as well as liquids or particulate matter.
Flash burns are another type of serious eye injury. Flash burns can be caused by tanning booths, the light from welding, sunlamps, and various other sources. Sudden, bright lights can cause permanent injury to your eyesight and loss of visual acuity. It is also important to note that your eyes can also suffer an injury like sunburn, and it is important to wear sunglasses and other protective eyewear.
A blow to the eye may also result in a serious injury. A serious blow to the eye can cause severe damage to your eye socket or internal injuries.
Getting objects in your eye is another serious issue. The type of object that infiltrates your eye will typically determine the severity of the injury. If you have an object or debris in your eyes like glass or a splinter, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
To learn more about an eye injury you may have suffered, speak with a doctor, then contact an injury attorney to discuss filing a claim for compensation.
Suing for an Eye Injury in Pennsylvania
When you are suing for an eye injury, one of the first things you should determine is who is responsible for your injury. If your injury was caused while you were at work, your employer might be liable for your injuries. For example, if you suffered an eye injury at a construction site because your employer gave you defective eye protection, your employer or even the manufacturer of the product may be liable. If your injury occurred as part of a surgical operation, the doctor who performed the surgery or the hospital could be liable for your injuries.
Once you are sure of who caused your eye injury, you should also ensure that you properly document your eye injury. You should have evidence that shows how the injury was caused and how the injury affects your personal and professional life, as well as evidence of other issues that may be relevant. An experienced attorney can help you build evidence for your case.
Another issue to be aware of when filing your case is that you do not have an unlimited amount of time to file your case. The “statute of limitations” for injury cases in Pennsylvania sets a deadline of two years on personal injury and medical malpractice cases. This means that if you do not file your case within the time limit, the court may bar your claim. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to delay the filing deadline.
Despite the two-year filing deadline, you should seek to file your case as soon as possible. The sooner you file your case, the sooner you might receive compensation for your injury. Additionally, gathering evidence for your case will be easier if you plan to file a lawsuit as soon as possible. This allows you to collect evidence that may be destroyed or lost over time and allows you to get witness statements and testimony before their memory of the incident or the aftermath fades.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Eye Injury Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
If you or a family member suffered a severe eye injury, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia eye injury attorney. At the Reiff Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to providing you aggressive legal representation to pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you were injured in the workplace, by a negligent driver, or in another type of accident, we will fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 515-8351.
