Find 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

Thousands of people suffer an injury to the eye that requires medical attention each year in the UK. Some of these eye injuries are due to third parties, such as through workplace accidents, assaults, sporting injuries and road traffic accidents.

Eye injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, both temporarily and, in more severe cases, permanently. If you have suffered an eye injury due to the actions or negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to make an eye injury claim.

To find out if you are entitled to compensation for eye damage, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back today and receive a free case assessment. If your claim has merit, a personal injury solicitor will offer you a No Win No Fee* service so there will be no financial risk to you in seeking damages.

Find out if you can claim

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Table of Contents

Understanding the Eye

The eye is a complex body part made of several intricate components, each with its own distinct function. If any of these parts sustain damage, it can severely affect a person’s vision and overall eye function.

The main parts of the eye are:

The cornea, pupil and iris. These three parts sit at the front of the eye and function as one to control how much light is allowed to enter and reach the lens.
The lens absorbs the light and focuses it onto the retina at the back of the eye. It is a transparent and flexible structure located behind the iris and pupil. The shape of the lens can change, allowing the eye to focus on objects at different distances.
The retina is a layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that contains cells sensitive to light. These cells, called photoreceptor cells, convert the light that enters the eye into electrical impulses that are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. The retina is essential for vision as it helps process the images we see.
The optical nerve is a bundle of nerve fibres that carry visual information from the retina to the brain, which allows the impulses received throughout the eye to be processed and visualised.

Am I eligible to start an eye injury claim?

Whether or not you are eligible to start an eye injury claim will depend on the circumstances surrounding your injury. The personal injury solicitors we work in partnership with have extensive experience in these types of claims and can let you know if your case has merit during a free consultation. As a general rule, you should be entitled to compensation if:

Another person or entity owed you a duty of care. That could be a road user, an employer, a business owner or a healthcare professional.
They breached their duty towards you through some kind of negligence or wrongdoing.
You suffered eye damage as a result within the last three years.

Various UK laws impose a duty of care, including but not limited to:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation requiring employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities. If you suffered an eye injury at work due to your employer’s negligence, you should be entitled to compensation under this Act.
The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 imposes a duty of care on people who occupy premises, whether they are owners or tenants, to take reasonable care to ensure that visitors and customers are reasonably safe.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 is a UK law that sets out various regulations related to the use of vehicles on public roads, including rules for driving and road safety.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require employers to provide employees with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. The PPE includes eye protection, such as safety goggles or glasses, where there is a risk of injury to the eyes in the workplace.

Your solicitor will refer to the relevant legislation to prove a duty of care and assess liability for your eyeball injury. If you have a valid compensation claim, they will offer legal representation on a No Win No Fee basis and guide you through the next steps of the claims process.

What is the process for claiming eye injury compensation?

Once your solicitor determines that you have a valid eye injury claim, they will help you get started with your case and secure the compensation you deserve. The first step involves gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability and the extent of your injury. According to the circumstances of your case, you can help by taking the following steps:

Seek medical attention for your eye injury as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment but will also provide medical documentation that can be used as evidence in your claim.
Take photographs or a video of the cause of the accident that caused your injury to the eye before anything gets repaired, replaced or removed.
Take photos of your eye damage and the recovery process.
If you suffered an eye injury at work, make sure to file an accident report with your employer. You are entitled to request a signed copy of the accident log book entry, which will serve as proof of your injury’s date, time and location.
If your accident was captured on CCTV or a dash cam, securing the footage could make it much easier to prove how you suffered eye damage.
If there were witnesses to your accident, get their names and contact details, as your solicitor might contact them later for a statement.
Evidence showing a lack of safety measures in the workplace, your training records or proof that your employer did not provide you with adequate personal protective equipment.
Write a statement about how you suffered an injury to the eye, who you believe was responsible for your accident and how this has affected your life.
Collate evidence of all the related financial losses you incurred, such as wage slips, bank statements and invoices.

Your solicitor will likely also arrange a free consultation with an independent medical professional to assess the full extent of your injury and any long-term consequences. They will also confirm the cause of your injuries and recommend any further treatments that might help you.

Once your solicitor has established liability and the impact of your eyeball injury on your life, 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.

Common symptoms of eye injuries

An eye injury can severely affect a person’s overall quality of life and ability to work, leading to psychological and emotional trauma and financial losses. Depending on the severity and the affected part of the eye, symptoms of eye injuries include:

Pain or discomfort in or around the eye
Blurred vision or difficulty seeing
Redness or swelling of the eye or eyelid
Sensitivity to light
Tearing or watering of the eye
Flashing and floaters
Bleeding, bruising or discharge from the eye
Changes in the shape or appearance of the eye
Difficulty moving the eye or eyelid
Feeling like something is in the eye (foreign body sensation)
Loss of vision or partial blindness

The treatment for an eye injury will depend on its type and severity. Minor injuries such as corneal abrasions or foreign objects in the eye may be treated with eye drops, ointments or irrigation to flush out the foreign body. For more severe injuries such as chemical burns, blunt trauma or penetrating injuries, emergency medical treatment may be necessary to prevent permanent damage to the eye or loss of vision. This may include surgery to repair the eye or remove damaged tissue, antibiotics or other medications to prevent infection or referral to a specialist for further treatment.

Common types of injury to the eye

Various types of eye damage could occur as a result of an accident, medical negligence or illness, including:

Corneal abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, which is the clear and protective outer layer of the eyeball. It can be caused by a foreign object, such as sand or dirt, entering the eye or from an injury, such as a poke in the eye. Symptoms may include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. A corneal abrasion can sometimes lead to more severe complications, such as corneal ulcers or scarring.

Foreign object in the eye

Such injuries occur when a particle or an object enters the eye and causes damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, or other parts of the eye. This can cause irritation, pain, tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, the object may become embedded in the eye, which can cause more severe damage and require immediate medical attention.

Chemical burns

A chemical burn may be due to contact with harmful substances, such as industrial chemicals, cleaning products, and even household items like bleach or ammonia. Some chemicals can cause severe damage to the eye and potentially result in permanent vision loss.

Blunt trauma

Blunt trauma refers to any injury to the eye caused by a blunt force or object, such as being hit with a ball or a fist or the impact of a car accident. It can result in various injuries, such as bruising, bleeding, retinal detachment, cataracts, and even permanent vision loss. If another party caused your trauma through a negligent or intentional act, you might be able to make an eye injury claim for compensation.

Penetrating injuries

These injuries can be due to various objects, such as a piece of glass or metal, a sharp object, or a small projectile like a bullet. Penetrating injuries can cause significant damage to the eye, including damage to the cornea, iris, lens, and retina, and lead to partial or complete vision loss if not treated promptly and effectively.

Eye socket fractures

Eye socket fractures, also known as orbital fractures, occur when one or more of the bones that surround and protect the eye are broken or cracked. These can be due to various circumstances, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and physical assaults. Symptoms of eye socket fractures may include pain, swelling, bruising and vision changes.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a severe condition that occurs when the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes visual information becomes separated from the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of a detached retina may involve a sudden onset of floaters, light flashes, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision. If not treated promptly, this can lead to permanent vision loss.

Full or partial blindness

Partial or complete loss of vision may occur over time due to constant exposure to hazards such as intense radiation or bright lights. It could also be due to a single event, such as a head injury or penetrating wound. Visual impairment can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks and limiting their ability to work or engage in other activities.

Loss of an eyeball

The loss of an eye is a severe and traumatic injury that can result in physical and emotional distress and loss of depth perception. It can be due to various causes, such as cancer, infections, penetrating injuries and other traumas.

The severity of your eyeball injury will determine how much eye injury compensation you will receive for pain and suffering if you make a successful claim against the liable party.

Common accidents leading to an eye injury claim

There is a wide range of reasons why you could sustain an injury to the eye. Some are through no fault of the injured party but due to another person’s negligent behaviour or intentional actions. Some of the most common causes leading to eye injury compensation claims include:

Workplace accidents could be caused by exposure to harmful substances, accidents with tools or machinery and lack of adequate safety equipment. If your employer has failed to take all reasonable measures to ensure you are safe from accidents at work, they could be liable in an eye injury claim.
Road traffic accidents – car accidents, motorbike accidents, and pedestrian accidents can all cause eye injuries. An injury to the eye could be due to airbag deployment, shattered glass, flying debris or trauma to the head.
Sports injuries – sports that involve physical contact, flying objects or fast-paced movements, such as basketball, boxing, and racquet sports, can cause eye injuries. Although some injuries cannot be avoided and are nobody’s fault, you could be entitled to eye injury compensation if you were hurt due to the negligence of another party, such as a coach, event organiser or another player.
Chemical exposure can lead to an injury when the eyes come into contact with harmful chemicals, such as acids, bases, or other corrosive substances. This exposure can happen in various settings, such as at home, at work, or during an accident.
Defective products can cause eye injuries if they are designed or manufactured poorly and do not meet safety standards. For example, a defective pair of goggles may fail to protect the eyes during a hazardous activity, or a faulty toy may have small parts that could cause eye injuries.
Medical negligence, such as failure to diagnose an eye condition, errors in surgery, improper treatment or poor aftercare following a medical procedure can also cause eye damage. Not all medical mistakes will lead to a valid eye injury claim. To be eligible for compensation, your solicitor must show that the care you received fell below the expected standard in the field.
Physical assaults can cause various types of eye injuries depending on the force of the assault and the object used to inflict the injury. Physical assaults may include blows to the head with the legs, fists or a weapon, penetration injuries with a knife or other sharp objects or chemical assaults such as an acid attack.
Accidents in public can also cause eye injuries. For example, slips, trips and falls in public places can result in foreign items entering the eye or trauma to the eye. Additionally, objects falling from heights, such as debris from a construction site or items falling from a store shelf, can also cause serious eye injuries. In these cases, the property owner or manager may be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.

These and other types of accidents could cause minor to severe eye damage that may permanently affect your life. To find out if you could start an eye injury claim following your trauma, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details here to receive a free case assessment with a legal adviser.

Eye Injury Liability

To make a successful claim for eye injury compensation, you must prove that someone else was to blame for the damage you sustained, and your solicitor will help you do this. Some of the parties that are most commonly liable in an eye injury claim are as follows:

Liability following an accident

Eye injuries sustained in an accident will be deemed the responsibility of whoever caused it to happen. For example, if the injury was sustained in a car collision, the driver that caused the accident will be liable, and their insurance will cover compensation payments.

If an eye injury was due to a trip or fall in a public area, it might be that the owner of the premises is liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Common causes include uneven or wet floors, poor lighting, obstacles in walkways and failure to provide adequate warnings or safety signs.

Liability following a workplace accident

All employers have a legal duty of care to their staff as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. If an employer breaches their obligations to protect employees, they may be liable for any injuries sustained. Some occupations pose a greater risk to the eyes and sight of staff than others. As such, employers are legally required to provide safety equipment, personal protection and extensive training to their workers.

If your employer had failed in their responsibilities to you and you suffered an injury to the eye as a result, you may be able to make an eye injury claim against them.

Liability following medical negligence

Various eye injuries can occur through medical negligence. If it can be proven that a medical practitioner did not work in an adequate, acceptable or timely manner, they may be held responsible for your injury. Some common types of medical negligence that lead to eye injuries include:

Foreign bodies entering the eye during surgery
Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
Late diagnosis
Errors during eye operations
Errors during laser eye surgery
Errors in aftercare
Failure to prescribe any or correct treatment to a patient with an eye complaint

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 sack or treat someone unfairly for seeking compensation for an eye injury at work. Your employer has a duty of care towards you to provide a safe working environment, and it is their responsibility to ensure that you can work safely without suffering damage. Under UK legislation, their duties include:

Conduct a risk assessment of the workplace to identify potential hazards that could cause eye injuries. Once identified, employers must take appropriate measures to eliminate or control those hazards.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses or goggles, depending on the nature of the work and the potential hazards present. Also, ensure that employees use the PPE provided and that it is in good working condition and regularly inspected.
Provide adequate training to employees on the proper use of PPE, safe work practices, and emergency procedures in the event of an eye injury.
Maintain a safe work environment, including proper lighting, adequate ventilation, and regular maintenance of equipment and machinery.
Conduct regular health and safety checks to ensure that the workplace remains free of hazards that could cause eye injuries.

If you have sustained an eye injury due to a workplace accident or hazardous working conditions, you have a right to make an eye injury claim without fear of losing your job. It is essential to seek legal advice to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. They will also contact your employer and conduct negotiations on your behalf, so you will not have to deal with them directly.

How much compensation could I receive for an eyeball injury?

The amount of eye injury compensation you could receive if you make a successful claim depends on several factors, such as:

The type and severity of the injury you suffered
Whether the eye damage is temporary or permanent
How this has affected your quality of life
The circumstances of your accident
Whether you hold any part of the blame for your injury to the eye
The financial losses and expenses related to the injury

In general, eye injuries can result in substantial compensation payments, particularly if they result in significant visual impairment or blindness. Compensation may cover two types of damages:

General damages are awarded for the pain and suffering caused by the actual physical injury and include:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Psychological trauma leading to stress, anxiety or depression
Reduced quality of life
Loss of prospects and enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium
Loss of a unique career
Scarring and disfigurement
Inability to continue pursuing a hobby or leisure activity

Special damages are awarded to cover all the financial expenses related to the accident and put you back in a position you would have been in had you not suffered the eye damage. This can include:

Medical expenses, such as the cost of prescriptions, surgery and other interventions
Transportation costs to and from medical appointments
Any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle
The cost of medical devices such as eye patches, contact lenses or an artificial eye
The care you received during recovery or the cost of long-term assistance if you suffered a permanent disability
Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity

Your solicitor will work closely with you to ensure that all the personal and financial losses you suffered are included in your claim. According to the guidelines published by the Judicial College, you could receive the following eye injury compensation awards:

£2,200 to £8,730 for a minor or mild eyeball injury with temporary effects
£9,110 to £39,340 for more severe injury to the eye with a permanent impact, such as sensitivity to light or partial loss of vision in one eye
£49,270 to £65,710 for loss of sight in one eye or loss of an eye
£63,950 to £179,770 for blindness in one eye and partial loss of vision in the other
Up to £268,720 for complete loss of sight in both eyes

Your solicitor will include all your losses in your eye injury claim and will fight to secure the best possible compensation on your behalf.

Is there a time limit to claim eye injury compensation?

According to the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to start an eye injury claim, usually starting from the date of an accident that caused your injury. If the eye damage develops over time or does not become immediately apparent after an accident, the three-year claiming period starts on the date of knowledge of the injury.

Failure to start legal proceedings within this period may cause your case to become statute-barred. That means that you will likely lose your claim for eye injury compensation, except for exceptional circumstances where the court might allow an extension, but this is a rare occurrence.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit to start a claim for an eyeball injury:

For children, the time limit does not start to run until their 18th birthday. Before that, a parent or another suitable adult could seek compensation on their behalf at any time.
The time limit is suspended if the injured person lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim. A litigation friend could represent them in an eye injury claim anytime unless they regain capacity.
If your injury to the eye was due to a criminal assault, there is a two-year time limit to seek damages through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you were injured while serving in the military, you could claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Claims (AFCS) within seven years of your accident.

As a general rule, the sooner you seek legal advice after your injury, the better. That will make it easier to remember crucial details about the incident, talk to witnesses and build a strong case to secure compensation.

Can I claim for eye damage on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid eye injury claim, the solicitors we work in partnership with will offer you a 100% 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.

The No Win No Fee agreement allows everyone to seek compensation for a personal injury, regardless of their financial situation and without any financial risks. If the case fails, you do not owe your solicitor a single penny. They will take on the risk of litigation and will only receive a success fee if they manage to secure compensation for the eye injury.

Your solicitor will also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf if your case is valid and has a fair chance of success. This type of insurance covers all your legal costs and expenses, such as court fees and expert reports, in case you lose the case.

With a No Win No Fee service, you do not have to pay anything to anyone if you do not win compensation for your eye damage. If your claim is successful, you will keep the money awarded to you minus a success fee of up to 25% of your settlement, which is paid to your solicitor.

To find out if you have a valid eye injury claim or learn more about the 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.

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