Suffering from an eye injury can be a life-changing event. It can affect your daily life in many ways and make it difficult to work or enjoy the things you used to. If you have experienced an eye injury due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may be eligible to file an eye injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This article will explain the legal options available to you in Pennsylvania and how to go about pursuing a claim.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can happen in many different scenarios. Some common examples include:
- Workplace accidents involving machinery, tools or chemicals
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Assaults
- Sports-related injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products, such as faulty contact lenses or sunglasses
- Laser eye surgery errors
Types of Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to more serious conditions that can cause permanent damage or even blindness. Some common types of eye injuries include:
- Corneal abrasions or lacerations
- Foreign objects in the eye
- Eye burns
- Eye socket fractures
- Retinal detachments
- Hyphemas (bleeding in the eye)
- Chemical burns
- Optical radiation injuries from laser or UV exposure
What to Do if You Suffer an Eye Injury
If you experience an eye injury, seek medical attention immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage or vision loss. Once you have received medical care, it is essential to gather evidence related to the injury and the circumstances surrounding it. This may include photographs of the injury, eyewitness statements, medical records, and any other documentation that can help support your case.
Pennsylvania Eye Injury Lawsuits: Legal Options
In Pennsylvania, you can file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for your eye injury. This may include a company, another individual, or a government agency. To prove your case, you must demonstrate that the other party was negligent or acted recklessly and that this behavior caused your injury. You must also demonstrate the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
In many cases, eye injury lawsuits result in settlements outside of court. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.
Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those related to eye injuries. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury, or you may lose your right to receive compensation.
Choosing a Pennsylvania Eye Injury Lawyer
If you plan to file an eye injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania, it is essential to choose an experienced personal injury lawyer who has a track record of success in handling eye injury cases. Consider asking for referrals from friends or family members, reading reviews online, and scheduling consultations with multiple attorneys to find the best fit for your case.
Conclusion
If you have suffered an eye injury due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. By gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Remember to act quickly, as the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania gives you only two years from the date of the injury to file your claim.