Eye Injury Lawyers

Accident Related Eye Injuries: Risks, Consequences, and Legal Options

Eye injuries caused by accidents can be life-altering. Depending on how the injury occurs, the effects may range from temporary vision problems to permanent vision loss, chronic pain, disfigurement, or long-term disability. In addition to the physical and emotional impact, accident-related eye injuries often lead to overwhelming medical expenses and lost income. If someone else’s negligence played a role in your injury, you may be entitled to compensation but pursuing a claim without legal guidance can be difficult.

For more than 35 years, Goidel & Siegel Injury Lawyers has represented injury victims throughout New York. Our firm uses decades of legal experience to help clients understand their rights and pursue fair compensation after serious accidents.

Why Eye Injuries Are Especially Devastating

The eye is one of the most fragile and sensitive organs in the human body. Because vision is essential to daily life, damage to the eye can have profound and lasting consequences. Even injuries that initially appear minor can worsen over time, leading to permanent vision impairment, blindness, or chronic pain due to the eye’s dense network of nerves.

Accident-related eye injuries occur far more frequently than many people realize and often result from preventable hazards in everyday environments.

Common Causes of Accident Related Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can occur in a wide range of accidents, including:

• Foreign objects entering the eye: Shattered glass, metal fragments, wood splinters, sand, or debris from explosions, vehicle collisions, or falls can puncture, cut, or lodge in the eye.
• Chemical exposure: Household cleaners, industrial chemicals, gasoline, or corrosive substances can cause severe chemical burns.
• Thermal injuries: Fires, explosions, hot liquids, or steam may result in serious burns to the eye and surrounding tissue.
• Blunt force trauma: Car accidents, slip and falls, falling objects, sports incidents, and physical impacts can cause orbital fractures or direct damage to the eyeball.

Signs and Symptoms of an Eye Injury

Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may develop hours or days after the accident. Warning signs include:

• Redness or swelling
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Partial or complete loss of sight
• Double vision
• Eye infections
• Corneal abrasions
• Ruptured or contused globe
• Damage to eye movement muscles
• Secondary conditions such as glaucoma or permanent blindness

Any eye injury should be treated as a medical emergency.

Who Is Most at Risk for Accident-Related Eye Injuries

Accident related eye injuries can affect anyone, but they are more common in situations involving:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall incidents
• Construction or property hazards
• Home improvement or DIY activities
• Recreational and sporting activities
• Unsafe premises or defective products

Preventable Injuries and Negligence

Many eye injuries caused by accidents are preventable. Unsafe conditions, lack of warnings, defective products, or careless behavior often play a role. In some cases, victims may be blamed for the accident itself, but this overlooks the legal responsibility of property owners, drivers, manufacturers, and other parties to act with reasonable care.

Negligence may contribute to accident-related eye injuries in situations such as:

• Failure to maintain safe premises
• Dangerous conditions like broken flooring, falling debris, or unsecured objects
• Defective or poorly designed products
• Inadequate warnings about hazardous materials or conditions
• Reckless or careless driving

When a party fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.

Your Legal Rights After an Eye Injury Accident

If you suffered an eye injury due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Potential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Accident related eye injuries often have lasting consequences, making early legal intervention especially important. Understanding your rights and acting promptly can help protect both your health and your financial future.