High-velocity automobile crashes can injure just about any part of the human body, and the eyes are no exception. Among the eye injuries that a person can suffer in an accident is a torn or detached retina. These eye injuries can result in significant vision disturbances impacting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. If you or a loved one has suffered a torn retina or detached retina because of someone else’s negligence, the North Carolina personal injury attorneys of Maginnis Howard may be able to help. Our firm has experience handling motor vehicle negligence cases, mainly regarding this relatively unusual injury resulting from a car wreck.
One of the first signs of a retinal tear is the presence of floaters. These are small, black shapes that move as your eye moves. They are particularly noticeable against bright backgrounds such as white walls. Floaters develop when the vitreous, a jelly-like substance behind the retina, peels away from the retina and tears it. This can allow blood to enter the vitreous, resulting in floaters. And, while a retinal tear may not produce immediate vision loss, if it goes untreated, it can ultimately result in a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a significant health concern, as it can lead to severe vision loss or, in some cases, complete blindness in the eye.
You should consult an ophthalmologist if you’ve noticed new floaters after a motor vehicle or tractor-trailer crash. Likewise, beware of seeing flashing lights or a “curtain” over one of your eyes. If you have a retinal tear, you may need cryotherapy surgical treatment to repair it. This should help prevent detachment, but you may always be more susceptible, even with the treatment. If your retina is detached, the surgery will be much more intense and likely take place in a hospital setting.
Ultimately, if your torn or detached retina was due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation. In our state, that means you can present evidence and seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages and diminished earning capacity, past and future physical pain and mental suffering, partial loss of use of your eye, and permanent injury. If the eye injury was due to the willful and wanton negligence of another person, such as a drunk driver, you can seek punitive damages to punish them.
Maginnis Howard accepts personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. We serve clients across the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices. Call Maginnis Howard at (919) 526-0450 or visit our contact page if you have suffered a significant eye injury. Consultations are always free.
