A motorcycle accident eye injury often causes physical pain, confusion, fear, and financial pressure. What will your life be like after an eye injury? Who will pay for your medical care, lost income, suffering, and other damages?
An experienced Omaha motorcycle accident lawyer can answer these questions and ensure your legal rights are protected.
Different Types of Motorcycle Accident Eye Injuries
Your eye injury is unique. Your doctor will diagnose your injury and explain your treatment options if you suffer from one or more of the following common types of eye injuries:
Eyelid Lacerations
An eyelid laceration is a cut or puncture of the eyelid. These injuries are typically caused by road and accident-related debris.
Eyelid lacerations can vary in severity, ranging from minor cuts to more extensive tears that may involve deeper layers of tissue. Depending on the severity, an eyelid laceration can lead to pain, bleeding, swelling, and potential damage to the eye itself. Immediate medical attention is crucial to assess the extent of the injury, prevent infection, and ensure proper healing.
Corneal Abrasions
The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina and maintaining clear vision. A corneal scratch, or abrasion, could occur if dirt, gravel, or other road debris enters the eye and scratches the surface of the cornea.
Permanent vision loss is possible if a corneal scratch goes untreated and complications develop.
Iris Injuries
The iris is the colored part of the eye, located between the cornea and lens. Iris injuries could occur if the eye is poked or punctured. Iris injuries include:
- Iris contusions
- Iris punctures or lacerations
- Pupil abnormalities
- Photophobia, or light sensitivity
Iris injuries can vary in severity, and immediate medical attention is crucial if an iris injury is suspected.
Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye that plays a crucial role in transmitting visual information to the brain. Vision loss may occur when the retina separates or detaches from its normal position.
The force or impact of a motorcycle crash can cause the retina to detach. If you start seeing sudden floaters, flashes of light, a shadow obstructing part of your view, or if you experience blurred or loss of vision, you should see a medical professional immediately.
Timely treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss. You will likely require surgery and follow-up care.
Optic Nerve Injuries
The optic nerve is a nerve bundle connecting the eye to the brain. You can suffer an optic nerve injury in a motorcycle accident if there is a direct impact on the head or eye or if the sudden jolt or force from the accident affects the optic nerve's function or structure. These injuries can vary in severity and may lead to various visual problems or even vision loss.
If you experience vision loss, color vision changes, pain, discomfort, pupil abnormalities, or other eye or vision changes, you should see a doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Optic nerve injuries can be treated in various ways depending on the severity and location of the injury. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, and visual rehabilitation.
Additional eye injuries may also occur, such as burns and fractured bones near the eye socket.
Your Potential Compensation After an Eye Injury Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident victims have a legal right to file a claim for compensation against the party who caused their injuries. You could be entitled to damages including, but not limited to, the following:
- Your past, present, and anticipated medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Disability modifications and in-home alterations
- Physical rehabilitation
- Paid co-pays and deductibles
- Lost income from work
- Diminished earning potential
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Disfigurement
Nebraska and Iowa have strict statutes of limitations. If you wait too long to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, the statute of limitations could lapse, and the court may dismiss your case without awarding you any compensation.
