Loss of Sight Claims

For anyone, young or old, the loss of vision, from partial visual impairment to total blindness, can rob them of their independence and make what were routine and run-of-the-mill tasks much more challenging. And although today there is a wide range of support services and assistive technology designed to help those with blindness, losing eyesight can dramatically alter someone’s lifestyle, from how they earn a living, to how they navigate their own surroundings.

Oxygen starvation due to a birth injury

Failing to monitor the condition of the baby in utero or mistakes made during birth, may result in loss of sight.

If a healthcare professional fails to recognise that a baby is being deprived of oxygen in the womb, this can cause damage to the baby’s brain stem or visual cortex, leading them to be born blind or visually impaired.

Oxygen deprivation may also occur during birth, such as the umbilical cord becoming wrapped around the baby’s throat or shoulder dystocia preventing the baby’s head from emerging. If this is not addressed soon enough and results in the baby losing its eyesight, this could result in a blindness claim.

Brain injuries caused by surgical error

If a surgeon mistakenly damages the brain stem or visual cortex during surgery, such as cutting the nerves or blood vessels in this area of the brain, then it could cause the patient to lose their eyesight.

Mistakes during eye surgery

Surgical errors made during eye surgery, such as inserting the incorrect lens during cataract surgery or damaging the nerves or blood vessels in the vicinity, can result in a patient temporarily or permanently losing their vision. And failure to monitor any problematic signs following a surgical procedure, such as excessive swelling and bruising, could also be grounds for a Clinical Negligence claim.

Delay in diagnosis and treatment of conditions

With eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, there may be only a small window of opportunity where some or all of the patient’s eyesight can be preserved. If a healthcare professional fails to spot signs of potentially threatening eye conditions or overlooks the symptoms highlighted by their patient, this delay could prevent the possibility of correcting the damage.

Delay in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions, such as a stroke or a brain tumour, can also lead to someone’s eyesight suffering irreparable damage.

If you or your child has suffered partial or full loss of eyesight due to Clinical Negligence, contact us on 03333 058375 or email [email protected] to find out how we can help you.

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