Retinal Detachment Accident Lawyers

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the most frequent retinal surgery complication (25%) is failure or delay in diagnosis or negligent treatment resulting in a retinal detachment [1].

If you, or a loved one, have suffered from a detached retina as a result of medical malpractice, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP can file a personal injury claim for you and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Quick Summary

• Retinal detachment is a serious medical emergency that can be treated if diagnosed early.
• Signs of retinal detachment include poor central vision, darkening of peripheral vision, and flashes of light.
• The most common causes of retinal detachment are aging, damaged blood vessels, and diabetes.

What Is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss and blindness. It occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer of nerve cells in the back of the eye, is pulled away from its normal position [2]. 

This condition can occur for a variety of different reasons, such as age-related retinal changes or trauma to the eye [3].  

There are three types of retinal detachment: 

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment;
• Tractional retinal detachment;
• Exudative detachment.

Typically, retinal detachment is highly treatable. Early detection and care are crucial if diagnosed early enough. 

The most common treatments are laser surgery, pneumatic retinopexy, and freezing treatment (cryotherapy). 

While cryotherapy attaches the retina to its original position, retinal detachment may still result in permanent visual impairment if caught too late [4].

“Some people will recover completely, especially if their macula isn’t damaged. The macula is the part of the eye responsible for the clearest vision and is located near the center of the retina. Some people may not regain full vision if their macula is damaged and treatment isn’t sought quickly enough”
– Joseph Vinetz, Editor at Healthline.com

Retinal Detachment Causes and Symptoms

The most common causes of retinal detachment are aging, leaking blood vessels, diabetes, and eye fluid due to a severe automobile accident [5].  

Any type of vehicle accident that involves blunt force trauma near the head or eyes may result in irreparable harm and eye injury.

In addition, dangerous construction worksites with exposure to chemicals are another major source of serious injury. 

Some of the signs of retinal detachment include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision;
• Sudden darkness over your visual field;
• The appearance of specks and flashes of light in your vision;
• Sensitivity to light [6].

Unfortunately, medical malpractice by doctors and ophthalmologists is another common cause of a detached retina.

Related Articles:

• ENT Malpractice Claim
• Cataract Surgery Claim
• Blindness and Vision Loss Medical Malpractice Claim
• Postoperative Vision Loss Claim

See all related medical malpractice lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Liability for Injury Involving Retinal Detachment

Victims of retinal detachment should act quickly and seek appropriate medical attention as soon as they experience any warning signs.

If left untreated, it can have potential long-term consequences on the victim's vision and worsen your chances of recovery, but prompt treatment could rescue some sight. 

Any medical negligence or delayed diagnosis resulting in a retinal detachment could be grounds for seeking compensation for damages from the responsible party. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released guidance to ensure prompt diagnosis of any potential retinal detachment in patients:

• If new-onset flashes, floaters, or reduced vision are present, a specialist ophthalmologist should consult the patient as soon as possible;
• Patients may also receive further advice about driving; 
• Failure to act promptly can lead to irreversible sight loss  [7].

What Is the Average Settlement Value for Retinal Detachment Cases?

The average settlement value for retinal detachment cases is $1 million for injuries with severe consequences, which typically involve lost or diminished vision due to the injury to the optic nerve. 

However, you can get between $150.000 and  $270.000 settlements for “minor” eye injuries [8]. This is not surprising given that victims often require many treatments, lose their jobs, and suffer emotionally.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Retinal Detachment With Injury Lawyers 

When the victim of an injury seeks justice, they must prove the responsibility of a third-party entity. One can achieve this through evidence disclosing the negligence that caused harm to the person making a claim. 

Unfortunately, taking such matters to court is not easy – knowledge about eye injuries, complex legal jargon, and intricate state law may need navigating before successful compensation for damages is granted.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an eye injury because of a medical error, know that Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to help. 

Our attorneys are dedicated and experienced in handling cases of retinal detachment caused by negligence and can provide legal advice regarding the issue during your free consultation appointment.

FAQs

What Kind of Trauma Causes Retinal Detachment?

Trauma that causes retinal detachment is blunt force trauma to the head or eye. Other potential causes include a vitreous detachment, inflammation inside the eye, tumors, and inherited disorders.

Can a Car Accident Cause Retinal Detachment?

Yes, a car accident can cause retinal detachment. A sudden impact can cause the retina to separate from the underlying supportive tissue. 

Can You Fully Recover From Retinal Detachment?

Yes, you can fully recover from the retinal detachment in some cases. Your doctor might suggest cryotherapy, laser, or cryotherapy.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Retinal Detachment Accident Lawyers

Immediate medical treatment from an expert ophthalmologist is critical when diagnosing a condition affecting the eye. Without swift action, one can suffer from permanent vision loss of functional sight if the macula detaches from the retina. 

If you are struggling with the fallout of a medical error, you may be liable for compensation. 

Discuss your case and rights with Schmidt & Clark, LLP. Our attorneys have years of experience handling personal injury cases and can fight on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us for a free consultation.

References:

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/641555https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/641555
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/detached-retina-retinal-detachment/
3. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment/types-and-causes-retinal-detachment
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/detached-retina-retinal-detachment/
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10705-retinal-detachment
6. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment
7. https://docet.info/mod/url/view.php?id=1445
8. https://www.retinalphysician.com/issues/2021/jan-feb-2021/malpractice-in-retina