Sight Loss Claims

Can I claim for loss of sight?

There are over two million people in the UK living with sight loss, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). If your vision has been damaged or you’ve become blind as a result of someone else’s negligence, you could have a loss of sight claim.

Some of the most common causes of sight loss include:

• Blows to the head or eyes
• Chemical burns – usually caused by uncontrolled substances in the workplace
• Medical negligence – such as errors during laser surgery or misdiagnosis
• Repeated exposure to dangerously bright light
• Sharp objects entering the eyes

This isn’t an exhaustive list, though. If you’ve been affected by vision loss, and it could have been avoided, you may be entitled to compensation and support. Get in touch with our friendly team for a free initial consultation to find out if we could help you.

Why should I make a sight loss claim?

If you or a loved one has suffered sight loss, you’ll know how much of an impact it can have on your life. You’ll likely have had to make significant changes to the way you go about daily activities and your work.

And in some cases, returning to a previous job role may not be a possibility. This can create a level of financial stress on top of the physical and emotional difficulty caused by vision loss.

Making a claim for compensation could help you to deal with some of your money worries. If the other side admits responsibility, your solicitor may even be able to apply for an interim payment. This will be paid out to you before your case is settled, so you’ll have the reassurance of knowing any immediate expenses can be covered.

We know that making a claim isn’t just about the money, though. By taking legal action, you’ll also be helping to make sure that the negligence that led to your injuries is highlighted and corrected – so what happened to you doesn’t happen to anyone else.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with expert personal injury solicitors who are experienced in handling claims involving sight loss. They’ll work on your behalf and gather evidence to secure you the best possible outcome for your claim.

Whether you’ve suffered a loss in vision yourself, or you’re considering making a claim on behalf of a loved one, we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. So you’ll have nothing to lose by getting in touch. There will be no upfront costs to pay and no legal fees to cover if your claim is unsuccessful.

Sight loss claim FAQs

How much compensation could I get for a sight loss claim?

Loss of sight compensation will usually take into account factors such as the severity of your vision loss, whether it is partial or total, and if it is permanent or temporary.

Your compensation will also consider:

• The pain and suffering you’ve been through
• Any long-term effects on your everyday life
• Loss of income and future earnings
• Ongoing care and medical treatment
• The cost of equipment or home alterations required to improve your quality of life

When your solicitor has gathered the details of your case, they will be able to more accurately value your claim. But for a rough idea, try our free compensation calculator.

Is there a time limit on making a sight loss claim?

There is generally a three-year time limit on when you can make a sight loss claim. This will usually be three years from the date of your accident or from when the medical negligence took place.

In some cases, the time restrictions will be slightly different. For example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child, you will have until their 18th birthday to start legal action. After this, they will have three years to decide if they’d like to make a claim themselves.

Similarly, if you’re claiming for someone who is lacking mental capacity, you won’t be subject to the same time limits. You can find out more about how long you’ll have to make a claim in our free guide.

I think I have a claim – what should I do?

If you’ve suffered sight loss as a result of someone else’s negligence, we’d encourage you to make sure your injuries have been recorded.

This may not always be possible straight away, especially if urgent medical attention is required. But if you were injured at work or in a public place, there should be an accident book where your injuries can be logged. This could be used as evidence if you decide to make a claim.

After this, you could consider getting in touch with our knowledgeable claims team. They’ll ask you a few straightforward questions about your situation and let you know if you have a strong case for compensation.

If we’re able to help you, we’ll ask if you’d like to be put in touch with one of our solicitors. This decision will be completely up to you, and there will always be the option to call us back later.

For a free consultation, give us a call or use our quick and easy online claims form. We’re here to listen whenever you’re ready.