Opticians, like all medical practitioners, are legally obliged to provide you with reliable, safe and effective care. Breaches of this duty can result in pain,…
Read moreFind out if you can claim for an eye injury
Eye injuries can have a huge impact on your life. If another person was to blame, we can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
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Eye Injury Compensation Claims
If you’ve suffered an eye injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make an eye injury compensation claim. These injuries commonly arise from workplace accidents, assaults, sporting incidents and road traffic accidents.
Eye injuries range from corneal scratches to eye socket fractures and permanent loss of vision. They can have a significant impact on a person’s life, both in the short term and, in more severe cases, can cause permanent damage.
A specialist eye injury solicitor can help you claim compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as any related financial losses. To get started, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back today for a free case assessment. If you can proceed, the solicitors we work with will provide a No Win No Fee service, meaning you only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
Key points about eye injury claims
- Can I claim?
You may be eligible if your eye injury was caused by an accident, workplace hazard, or medical negligence. - Who is at fault?
Potentially liable parties include employers, drivers, business owners or medical professionals, depending on how the injury occurred. - Is there a time limit?
You’ll usually have 3 years to start your claim from the date of the injury or diagnosis. - How much can I claim?
Payouts vary depending on whether the injury caused temporary vision problems, partial sight loss or full blindness, as well as treatment costs and financial losses. - Can I claim on a no win, no fee basis?
Yes, your solicitor will act on a no win, no fee basis, so you only pay if your claim succeeds.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
Table of Contents
What is an eye injury claim?
An eye injury claim is a type of personal injury claim that can be made by someone who suffered an eye injury because of someone else’s negligence.
An eye injury can affect many different parts of the eye and surrounding structures, including:
- The cornea, pupil and iris at the front of the eye.
- The lens that focuses light onto the retina.
- The retina that helps process the images we see.
- The optic nerve, which carries the visual information to the brain.
This guide will explain when you may be able to claim for an eye injury, how to start the eye injury claims process and how much compensation you can expect to receive.
Am I eligible to start an eye injury compensation claim?
If you suffered an eye injury as a result of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Specialist personal injury solicitors have extensive experience in these types of claims and can tell you within minutes whether your case has merit during a free consultation.
As a general rule, you may be able to claim compensation if:
- Another party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached this duty through some kind of negligence or wrongdoing.
- You suffered eye damage as a result within the last three years.
Who is liable to pay compensation for eye injuries?
Liability for an eye injury will depend on the circumstances of your accident. Some of the parties that are most commonly liable in an eye injury compensation claim are as follows:
In road traffic accidents, including pedestrian accidents, compensation is typically paid by the at-fault driver’s motor insurer. In cases involving hit-and-run accidents or uninsured drivers, a claim may be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
If you were injured due to an accident in a public place, such as a slip, trip and fall or falling object, the owner or occupier of the premises may be liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
Compensation for an accident at work claim is usually paid through the employer’s liability insurance if the injury resulted from a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Eye injuries can also result from medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, errors during laser eye surgery and incorrect treatment. If care was provided through the NHS, any compensation awarded would be paid by NHS Resolution. If the treatment was private, the healthcare provider’s insurer would pay compensation.
If a person causing an eye injury either isn’t identified or does not have the financial means to pay compensation to their victim, criminal injury claims are typically made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), an agency of the Ministry of Justice.
Is there a time limit to claim eye injury compensation?
According to the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to claim compensation for eye injuries, starting from:
- The date of the accident that caused it.
- The date it was diagnosed and linked to negligence (date of knowledge).
Failure to start legal proceedings within this period may cause your case to become statute-barred. There are a few exceptions to the three-year limitation period:
- Child injury claims can be made at any time before their 18th birthday by a parent or legal guardian.
- The time limit is suspended if the injured person lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim, and a litigation friend could represent them at any time.
- There is a two-year time limit to start a criminal injury claim following a physical assault.
How much compensation for an eye injury can I claim?
The amount of compensation you may receive if you make a successful eye injury claim depends on two types of damages caused by your injury:
- General damages – cover the subjective impact of the injury, such as physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of amenity.
- Special damages – cover all the financial expenses related to the accident, including private treatments, prescriptions, medical devices, loss of earnings and loss of earning capacity.
Examples of eye injury compensation payouts
According to the guidelines published by the Judicial College, you could receive the following compensation amounts, depending on the severity of your eye injury:
| Type of Eye Injury | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Transient and minor eye injuries with no long-term effects | £2,690 to £10,660 |
| Eye injuries causing permanent sensitivity or partial loss of vision | £9,110 to £39,340 |
| Total loss of sight in one eye | £11,120 to £66,920 |
| Complete loss of an eye | £66,920 to £80,210 |
| Loss of sight in one eye and partial loss of vision in the remaining eye | £78,040 to £219,400 |
| Total blindness in both eyes | £327,940 |
Your solicitor will include all your losses in your eye trauma claim and will fight to secure the best possible compensation on your behalf.
What is the process for claiming eye injury compensation?
The steps you should take following your injury include:
- Seek medical attention immediately – To confirm your injury and receive proper treatment.
- Document the accident – Take photos or videos of the accident scene before it is tampered with.
- Document your injury – Take photos immediately after the accident and during recovery.
- Report the accident – File an accident report with the liable party and ask for a signed copy.
- Gather witness details – If there were witnesses to your accident, ask for their contact details.
- Keep records of losses – Keep all receipts, invoices and payslips related to your losses.
- Seek legal advice – Speak with a lawyer to find out if you can start a claim.
Once a specialist eye injury solicitor confirms that you have a valid claim, they will guide you through the process to secure the compensation you deserve. They will contact the other party and inform them of your intentions to seek eye injury compensation.
If they admit fault for your losses, you may start negotiating a settlement. Otherwise, your solicitor will use the available evidence to argue your case before a judge in court. However, that is rarely the case, as most claims settle without a trial.
Can I claim for eye damage on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes. If you can make a personal injury claim, the solicitors we work in partnership with will offer you a no win no fee service. That means you do not have to pay them any upfront fees for legal representation and will receive free support and advice at every step.
Furthermore, you don’t pay them anything if you lose. They only receive a fee deducted from your settlement if you make a successful eye injury compensation claim. This is pre-agreed and capped at 25%.
Common types of eye injuries leading to compensation claims
Accidents and medical negligence could result in various eye injury types for which you could claim compensation, including:
- Corneal abrasions – A scratch or scrape on the cornea caused by foreign objects or trauma.
- Chemical burns – A chemical burn can cause severe damage to the eye and potentially result in permanent vision loss.
- Penetrating injuries – Caused by sharp objects piercing the eye, such as glass, metal or projectiles.
- Eye socket fractures – Occur when the bones protecting the eye are broken due to falls, assaults or blunt trauma.
- Retinal detachment – A severe condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, needing urgent treatment.
- Full or partial blindness – Loss of eyesight claims can result from acute trauma or constant exposure to hazards such as bright lights.
The type and severity of your injury will determine how much compensation you may be able to secure from the defendant.
Common symptoms of eye injuries you can claim for
Depending on the severity and the affected area, eye injury symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort in or around the eye.
- Blurred or reduced vision.
- Redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Excessive tearing, discharge or bleeding.
- Flashing and floaters.
- Difficulty moving the eye or eyelid.
- Feeling like something is in the eye.
Eye injuries can permanently affect your vision, work and daily life and may also have a significant emotional and psychological impact.
Could I lose my job if I claim compensation for an eye injury at work?
No, you should not lose your job, as it is illegal for an employer to dismiss or treat someone unfairly for claiming compensation for an eye injury at work.
Your employer owes you a legal duty to provide a safe workplace, proper training and adequate eye protection. If you have sustained a workplace eye injury due to an accident or hazardous working conditions, you have a right to make a claim without fear of losing your job.
If you suffer any retaliation from your employer simply for making a lawful claim, a specialist solicitor can help you make a separate claim for unfair or constructive dismissal at an employment tribunal.
To find out if you have a valid claim or learn more about the eye injury claims process, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, enter your details into the contact form below to receive a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
