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 that can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life. If you or a loved one has suffered a torn retina or detached retina as a consequence of someone else’s negligence, the North Carolina personal injury attorneys of Maginnis Law may be able to help. Visit our contact page to send a confidential inquiry or call us at (919) 526-0450. Our firm has experience in handling motor vehicle negligence cases with 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 a white wall. Floaters develop when the vitreous, a jelly-like substance behind the retina, peels away from the retina and tears the retina itself. This can allow blood into the vitreous, resulting in floaters. And, while a retinal tear may not itself produce immediate vision loss, if it goes untreated, it can ultimately result in a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a very significant health concern, as it absolutely can lead to serious vision loss or, in some cases, complete blindness in the eye.
If you’ve noticed new floaters after a motor vehicle or tractor trailer crash, you should seek consultation with an ophthalmologist. 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 to detachment, 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, then 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 him or her.
The Raleigh attorneys of Maginnis Law handle North Carolina 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. From our office in Raleigh we are able to help folks all across the state – Wilmington to Raleigh to Asheville. If you have suffered a significant eye injury, call Maginnis Howard at (919) 526-0450. He has had success with eye injury cases and may be able to help you pursue your case. You may set up a free consultation with the firm to discuss your case.
