Loss of Sight Compensation

Claim for Loss of Sight

Our team of experienced and expert solicitors can help you claim loss of sight compensation. We will guide you through the claim process and assist in requesting any of the medical records that you may need.

Losing one’s sight through injury or medical negligence is not only life-changing but often extremely traumatic. Making a claim for loss of sight compensation can help to alleviate the struggles you may go on to face, and provide compensation for the trauma experienced when suffering from vision loss.

What can cause eye injuries and vision loss?

Loss of sight is a serious condition that can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. It can make it difficult or impossible to work, drive, and perform everyday tasks. A loss of sight can be caused in a number of ways.

Personal injury accidents

Personal injury accidents are a common cause of loss of sight in the UK. These accidents can happen anywhere, at home, at work, or on the road. Some of the most common types of personal injury accidents that can lead to loss of sight include:

• A road traffic accident where a car crashes into a pedestrian or cyclist, causing head trauma.
• A slip, trip, and fall accident at work, where a worker hits their head on a hard surface.
• A workplace accident where a worker is struck by a flying object in the eye.
• A sports injury, such as a ball striking the eye during a game of cricket or hockey.
• An assault is where someone is punched or kicked in the eye.

Medical negligence

Medical negligence can also lead to loss of sight. This can happen when a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional makes a mistake during a diagnosis, treatment, or procedure. Some of the most common examples include:

• A misdiagnosis of an eye disease, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, leads to delayed treatment and permanent vision loss.
• Surgical errors are made during eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or laser eye surgery.
• Post-operative infections following eye surgery.
• Side effects from certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs.

Eye diseases

Eye diseases can also cause loss of sight. Some of the most common eye diseases that can lead to blindness include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration

Other causes of loss of sight

There are a number of other factors that can cause loss of sight, including:

• Genetics
• Infections
• Cancer tumours
• Exposure to harmful chemicals or toxins

Can vision loss be caused by medical negligence?

Yes, it is possible for somebody to lose their sight because of medical negligence.

Failures or delays in diagnosing eye conditions in a timely matter could lead to a person losing their sight in one or both of their eyes. Errors in surgery, such as laser eye surgery, or corrective eye surgery could also lead to partial or total loss of sight.

Following a recent Freedom of Information request by medical negligence solicitors Blackwater Law, it has been revealed that the NHS has paid out almost £120 million in the last 5 years for clinical negligence claims whereby the primary injury has resulted in blindness in patients. The money was paid out across 349 successful claims over the five-year period.

Other instances where medical negligence can lead to a loss of sight include:

• Errors that can lead to oxygen deprivation during childbirth.
• Delays in treatments for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.
• Failure to diagnose and treat neurological conditions like a brain tumour.

How much compensation could I receive for vision loss?

Any compensation received for loss of sight or eye injury will depend on the severity of the injury, the long-term complications, and the impact that a loss of sight will have on the rest of your life. Compensation for a loss of sight in both eyes will be more than if sight has been lost in just one eye for example.

Compensation is awarded in two parts, General Damages and Special Damages. General Damages are compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity that you have endured and cover the psychological trauma that is likely to occur when a person loses all or part of their sight.

Special damages are paid to account for out-of-pocket expenses/financial costs you incur because of the negligent accident or medical treatment, such as the loss of earnings. It also includes the changes you will now have to make in your life following a loss of sight, such as paying for equipment/technology that would make your life easier.

Special damages will also cover the financial loss incurred if you are no longer able to work or continue in the line of work that you were in, prior to losing all or part of your sight. Speak to a member of our team if you are concerned about a loss of earnings, following a loss of sight to you or a loved one.

How long do I have to make a claim for loss of sight?

Most claims for serious personal injury or medical negligence are subject to a limitation period of three years. This limitation period will begin from the date of the incident that caused the loss of sight, or from the date where you became aware of negligence that may have caused vision loss.

The most notable exception to the limitation period is if the person who has lost sight is under the age of 18, then the limitation period will not start until their 18^th birthday. They will then have three years from this date to bring forward the claim themselves.

Limitation periods can be confusing, especially when it comes to establishing when you became aware of any negligence. If you’re unsure if your claim is still within the limitation period, speak to a member of our team who can help you establish a timeline of events.

No Win No Fee Vision Loss Compensation

When you call us and receive free initial legal advice, if we believe you or your family member may be entitled to loss of sight compensation, we will agree to represent you in your claim on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means that there is no risk to you.

If your loss of sight claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay any legal fees. Blackwater Law undertakes all medical negligence and personal injury claims on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Choosing the right solicitor for your vision loss claim

It is essential to the success of your vision claim that you choose the right solicitors.

Having a solicitor that is experienced in dealing with claims like yours, will help to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible and that you are able to secure the maximum amount of compensation for you and your family.

Blackwater Law is ranked by The Legal 500 as a leading provider of legal services for serious personal injury claims and medical negligence claims including eye injury and loss of sight. Speak to an experienced member of our team today about your claim and see if you are entitled to compensation.