Loss Of Sight Compensation Claims

Loss of sight compensation claims

This guide sets out what you need to know about making a successful loss of sight compensation claim.

According to the charity Action for Blind People, around two million people in the UK are living with some degree of sight loss. This figure includes 360,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted.

The Health and Safety Executive consider any accident that results in "any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight" to be a 'reportable incident' under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

Whether an employee or member of the public, if an individual has sustained a loss of sight as the result of another party's negligence they may be eligible to claim compensation.

Typical loss of sight accidents

Injury solicitors have dealt with a wide range of accident claims that have resulted in full or partial blindness. In the majority of cases, it is the extent of the injury rather than the circumstances of the accident that determine the amount of compensation payable. The circumstances of the accident may, however, have a bearing on the likelihood of a claims success.

Head injuries

Accidents that cause a head injury can also cause sight problems if certain areas the eyes or brain are damaged. Solicitors have assisted with eye injury claims relating to road traffic accidents, falls from height and criminal assault.

Objects penetrating the eye

Objects hitting an individuals face are a common cause of vision loss, particularly in a work context. The Courts recognise that flying debris from machinery at work or dust, grit and other particles can cause serious injury if protective eye wear is not worn.

Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is likely to be strong evidence of an employer's negligence.

Chemical injuries and burns

Certain chemicals can cause chemical burns serious enough to affect sight if they come into contact with the face.

Specific legislation imposes a duty on employers to minimise their employee's skin and eye contact when handling these chemicals at work.

Bright light

Exposure to dangerously bright lights such as the sparks from welding torches, lasers, searchlights or explosions can cause temporary or permanent loss of sight. The risk of damage increases if safety goggles are not worn.

Medical negligence

Complications may arise during laser eye surgery or a doctor may fail to diagnose an eye problem. Although rare, these errors may cause loss of sight to a patient.

Establishing liability for a loss of sight claim?

Where the accident occurs in the workplace, the claim will be brought against the employer. By law, employers must take responsible steps to eliminate hazards in the workplace and generally providing a safe working environment. They must also comply with specific health and safety rules regarding:

• The safe handling of chemicals
• Providing personal protective equipment such as safety goggles where there is a risk of injury from chemical splashes, dust and smoke and hard hats where there is a risk of falling objects
• The safe operation of work machinery such as fitting guards to prevent flying debris.

Employers who do not observe the appropriate health and safety laws may be liable if the worker suffers an accident and loses their sight as a result.

Determining who is legally responsible for other types of accident depends on the nature of the accident and the law that surrounds accidents of the type that caused the injuries. The injury lawyer will gather evidence to show that:

• The defendant owed the claimant a duty of care
• The defendant did something, or failed to do something, which breached that duty
• The defendant's actions caused the loss of sight.

The sight does not have to be permanently or wholly damaged for a claim to be successful.

Claims may also be brought for temporary or partial loss of sight.

Do I have a claim for loss of sight?

If you have suffered loss of sight in the last three years (longer if children were involved) and someone else was to blame, then we can help you make a compensation claim.

100% No Win, No Fee loss of sight compensation claim - Pay nothing if you lose

Typically a no win no fee arrangement ( called a CFA or Conditional Fee Agreement) is entered into between the claimant and a PI lawyer.

A no win no fee agreement is in essence the terms under which the solicitor is instructed by their client.

It details what the solicitor will do as well as how they is rewarded if your case is successful.

If you instruct our solicitors for your loss of sight compensation claim there will be no sneaky hidden charges , no up-front fees and the peace of mind that you wont be out of pocket.

Calculate my loss of sight compensation

The amount of compensation you will receive depends on a number of factors. Our personal injury compensation calculator provides an accurate estimate of your likely compensation.

Meet our team

Quittance's nationwide panel of solicitors carry out the legal work for all types of compensation claim and have a wealth of experience in fast track, complex and serious injury claims. Selected for their success rate in winning claims, QLS's solicitors have years of dedicated experience recovering compensation for their clients.

To meet more of the Quittance team, click here.

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.

Read more about this Quittance Legal Expert