Houston Eye Protection, Eye Injury, and Vision Loss Lawyer

Dealing with an eye injury or vision loss can be a profoundly life-altering experience, often accompanied by uncertainty and distress. For those in Houston facing such challenging circumstances, compassionate and focused legal representation is crucial. The Callahan Law Firm, with its dedicated approach to serious injury cases, stands as a pillar of support and advocacy. Our personal injury lawyers in Houston understand how crucial it is for injured parties to receive adequate compensation for their damages to help with their recovery and medical treatment.

By purposefully handling a limited number of cases, we ensure that each client receives our full attention and dedication. This approach allows us to focus deeply on you, your case, and securing justice. With us, you’re not just receiving legal services; you’re gaining a team committed to caring for and championing your cause during one of the most challenging times of your life. For help with any related personal injury claims, contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled eye injury lawyers in Houston.

How a Catastrophic Eye Injury Changes Lives

An eye injury often results in long-lasting or permanent damage, significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life. The inability to see, or reduced vision, can lead to difficulties with daily tasks, social interactions, and employment opportunities. In some cases, complete loss of vision may force the injured person to rely on the assistance of others for the rest of their lives. Additionally, medical bills for treatments and rehabilitation can be staggering, causing undue financial strain on the individual and their family, which further emphasizes the importance of pursuing fair compensation.

What are the Most Common Causes of Eye Injuries or Vision Loss in Houston?

In Houston, injuries to the eye can result from various accidents and circumstances, with the most common causes being:

Workplace accidents

Workplace accidents can occur in all industries but are common in construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, as workers are exposed to a heightened risk of an eye injury due to factors like debris, falls, and exposure to harmful chemicals.

Car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or motorcycle accidents

Car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle accidents are other common sources of eye damage and loss of vision in Houston. Those injured in a car accident can be hurt by glass shards, debris, or other objects to penetrate and damage the eye

Slips and falls

A fall can cause the individual to hit their head or face on a hard surface, resulting in injuries to the eye, eyeball or orbital bones surrounding it.

Assaults or acts of violence

Unfortunately, acts of violence are also responsible for a large number of injuries to the eyes – which can include the surface of the eye, the eye socket, or any other part. Physical altercations or direct eye contact can lead to trauma and lasting damage to the eye.

Chemical burns to the eye

Chemical burns to the eye can happen in various settings: at home, workplaces, or in public spaces. The improper use, storage, or disposal of hazardous chemicals can lead to accidents, causing chemical burns and lasting damage.

Defective products

Defective products, such as improperly labeled chemicals, malfunctioning equipment, or poorly designed toys can pose a serious risk to the eyes.

Lack of proper eye protection or safety equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety goggles or face shields, is often necessary to prevent injury to the eyes in risk-prone environments. A lack of proper eye protection can exacerbate injuries sustained in accidents or expose individuals to harmful substances.

Medications – Elmiron Lawsuits

Elmiron, a drug prescribed to treat a painful medical condition of the bladder called interstitial cystitis, has been linked to significant vision damage and can result in permanent blindness. Many patients who take the drug suffer eye injuries and conditions and are going to court to pursue vision loss lawsuits as a result of the use of Elmiron.

Knowing the cause of an eye injury and the most common types of injuries to the eyes is crucial in determining liability and understanding your rights when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim.

What are the Most Common Types of Eye Injuries in Houston?

Usually when people experience eye injuries, it’s the result of accidents or caused by someone else’s negligence, and in some cases, even intentional actions. It is crucial to identify the type of injury sustained to choose the appropriate course of action. Some common types of Houston, Texas eye injuries include:

Corneal Abrasion

An abrasion of the cornea is a scratch on the surface of one eye, causing pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. While these injuries may heal with proper treatment, severe cases can lead to infection and total blindness.

Loss of an Eye/Vision Loss

Severe eye injuries may result in permanent loss of vision or the need for removal of the eye altogether. This life-altering consequence is undoubtedly a primary concern for both the individual and their support system.

Open Globe Eye Injury

An open globe injury refers to a rupture or penetration of the eye’s outer membrane. This type of injury can result from sharp objects, chemicals, or intense pressure.

Orbital Hematoma

Orbital hematoma, or a “black eye,” occurs when blood accumulates in the space around the eye due to blunt trauma. This severe injury is not only painful but can also lead to complications such as vision loss, double vision, or infection.

Eye Penetration or Perforation

This occurs when a foreign object pierces the eye itself, potentially causing significant vision loss or blindness. These injuries require immediate medical attention and may warrant surgical intervention.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue at the back of the eye, causing partial or complete vision loss. Prompt medical intervention is necessary to save the individual’s vision.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

This type of injury refers to bleeding under the outer layer of the eye and often results from blunt trauma. Though it may appear alarming, a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically resolves on its own without lasting damage.

Acute Hyphema

This is an injury to the space between the cornea and the iris, often caused by injury or trauma.

Traumatic Iritis

Traumatic iritis is an inflammation of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. This type of injury often occurs due to blunt force trauma to the eye, such as being struck by an object.

Now that you are familiar with common injuries, it is essential to know how to respond if you find yourself dealing with one.

What to Do if You Have Sustained an Eye Injury

If you have suffered an injury to one eye or both, it can result in severe medical conditions. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately to prevent the injury from becoming much more serious. A healthcare professional will be able to assess the extent of your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. Additionally, it’s essential to document your injury through medical records, photographs, and witness statements, as these will prove invaluable when it comes to filing a personal injury claim.

Once you have received medical care and documented your injury, it’s time to consult with a qualified lawyer. They will be able to help you navigate the often complex personal injury claim process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury.

Types of Compensation for an Eye Injury

Those suffering from eye injuries in Houston may be eligible for compensation to cover various damages and losses, including:

Medical expenses, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
Lost wages or earning capacity if your ability to work is affected
Pain and suffering resulting from the injury
Emotional distress and mental anguish

Understanding the compensation available is crucial to ensure you’re adequately reimbursed for the harm you’ve endured. Additionally, it’s essential to know the statute of limitations for filing an eye injury claim – if you don’t initiate your pursuit for compensation on time, you could miss out on the chance to recover any compensation for your eye damage.

How Long Do You Have to File an Eye Injury Claim After an Accident in Houston?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing most personal injury claims is two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. While this may seem like a substantial amount of time, it’s essential to note that the process of building a strong and effective case can be time-consuming. Waiting too long can lead to critical evidence being lost or forgotten and may jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.

Treatment After Suffering an Eye Injury

Treatment largely depends on the type and severity of the injury. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent serious injury and promote the best possible recovery. Some common treatments for various types of injuries to the eyes include:

Eye wash or flushing: For chemical splashes or substances in the eye, it’s essential to flush the eye with water immediately.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling in the case of a blunt force injury.
Avoiding rubbing the eye: Rubbing the injured eye can cause further damage, so it’s crucial to avoid this instinct.
Seeking medical attention: As mentioned earlier, immediate medical attention is vital in preventing further damage and promoting healing. A healthcare professional will assess the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.

Once you get proper medical treatment for your eye injury, it’s time to consider your legal options. This is where we can help; a Houston personal injury lawyer knows how to assist you.

How Our Houston Eye Injury and Vision Loss Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating the legal process of personal injury claims can be overwhelming and complicated. Our Houston injury lawyers can help you by:

Evaluating your personal injury claim and determining its merits.
Gathering evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, photographs, and witness statements.
Ensuring you receive appropriate medical care and documenting the process.
Negotiating a settlement with the opposing party or their insurance company on behalf of our clients.
If necessary, speaking to experts and presenting your case in court.

Working with a lawyer is essential, but it’s also helpful to know the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding these types of injuries and legal claims.

Common Eye Injury FAQs

Eye injuries can occur abruptly and unexpectedly, leaving you with a whirlwind of concerns. It’s normal to have a lot of questions; here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I be fired for not wearing safety glasses?

While not wearing safety glasses can be a serious risk to your eye health, it’s essential to understand that Texas employers can also discipline or terminate employees for not following rules and safety regulations in the workplace.

How many injuries are caused by not wearing safety glasses?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace each year. A survey of workers who suffered these types of injuries revealed that nearly three out of five were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident.

What types of personal injury cases do your injury attorneys handle besides vision loss lawsuits?

Our team has the expertise needed to handle a vast range of personal injury cases. Some of the most common types of cases we handle include:

We truly care about all of our clients’ injuries; whatever you’re facing, we’re here for you. Contact us for a free consultation at any time if an intentional action or negligence has caused your injury.

Who is liable if you suffer eye injuries in the workplace?

In Texas, unlike many other states, most employers aren’t required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. As a result, determining liability in workplace eye injury cases can be complicated.

If your employer does have workers’ compensation insurance, you may be eligible for benefits through this system, regardless of who is at fault.

On the other hand, if your employer doesn’t participate in the workers’ compensation system, you could have a personal injury claim against your employer or a third party (such as equipment manufacturers). In these cases, you will need to establish negligence and prove that the liable party’s actions directly caused your eye injury.

When should you take an eye injury seriously?

Injuries to the eyes can range from minor scratches to significant traumas, and it’s essential to understand when an injury requires professional attention. Some common signs that an eye injury should be taken seriously include:

Severe pain or discomfort
Decreased or complete loss of vision
Persistent redness or swelling
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty moving the affected eye

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Not only is it crucial for your health and recovery, but timely documentation of your injury is also necessary to support your personal injury claim.

Contact Callahan Law Firm Today For a Free Consultation With a Houston Eye Injury Attorney

Sustaining an eye injury can be a life-altering event, and the process of recovering from such an ordeal can be both overwhelming and costly. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney in Houston from The Callahan Law Firm can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence, and the sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your case.

If you or someone you love has suffered eye trauma or even lost an eye due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, we will do everything possible to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve. You can call us today at (713)-224-9000 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.