Eye injuries can be both traumatic and complex, with significant implications for an injured victim's vision and overall quality of life. In a workplace setting, eye injuries commonly occur due to exposure to hazardous materials, flying debris, particles, or sparks, particularly in environments where protective eyewear is not sufficiently utilized or provided.
In the context of motor vehicle accidents, eye injuries can result from shattered glass, airbag deployment, or direct trauma during the collision. Such injuries may include corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, or blunt force trauma leading to vision impairment.
How can an eye injury expert help?
When an injured party pursues a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit with help from an attorney, the authority of an optometry or ophthalmology expert medical consultant can be invaluable to the lawyer's case.
A board-certified optometrist can provide critical insights into the standard of care, causation, and long-term impacts of eye injuries. Their involvement ensures that eye injury victims receive a fair assessment of their claims, leading to just compensation for their injuries and adequate care for future needs.
Expertise in eye care and vision health
Optometrists obtain Board Certification from the American Board of Optometry (ABO). They often function as primary care physicians for the eye, performing eye exams and prescribing corrective lenses. For more severe eye injuries, they may work with ophthalmologists, who handle a wider range of medical and surgical eye care than optometrists. Ophthalmologists may specialize in areas like:
- Cornea and external disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic pathology
- Ophthalmic plastic surgery
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Vitreoretinal diseases
Similar to a medical ophthalmology expert, an optometry expert can provide insight into ocular and orbital health, eye trauma, orbital disease, blindness, and related damage.
Evaluating standard of care and causation
One critical area where an optometrist expert witness can contribute is in assessing whether the standard of care was met in the treatment following an eye injury. In workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, it may need to be established whether appropriate initial care was given and whether ongoing treatment plans are adequate. An optometrist can evaluate these aspects by examining the protocols followed and the treatments prescribed.
Furthermore, these experts can be key to establishing causation — linking the accident directly to the eye injury and any resultant vision loss.
Understanding long-term prognosis and treatment costs
An eye injury can have long-term repercussions on a person's vision and quality of life. They can provide detailed insights into the expected progression of an eye injury, potential complications, and the long-term care needs of the patient. This includes detailing future treatments, potential surgeries, or the need for specialized eyewear and assistive devices.
These details not only inform the court about the severity of the injury but also help in accurately calculating the compensation required for medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. Such detailed prognostication is essential for ensuring that settlements or awards are adequate to cover the injured party's current and future needs.
Contact Reiback Medical-Legal Consultants today
Legal matters involving eye injuries and vision loss are highly specialized, requiring the expertise of professionals who understand the medical aspects and can interpret these details within the legal framework.
The testimony of a board-certified optometrist can carry significant weight in court. Their ability to clearly explain medical conditions, treatments, and the impact of an eye injury in lay terms is invaluable. This can help jurors and judges understand complex medical issues related to eye care and the consequences of the injury, leading to more informed and fair decision-making.
At Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants, Inc., our team of expert medical consultants has worked with America’s finest attorneys for decades. Our network includes highly experienced, board-certified optometrists available for consultation and trial testimony. Contact us today for a free case summary review if you need an ophthalmology expert.
"Ms. Rieback consistently locates well-qualified medical experts that permit me to make early and accurate case evaluations and assist us in tipping the scales of justice in our client's favor. The professionals that she recommends to us are consistently highly experienced, meticulous in their case preparation and analysis, and superb witnesses at both deposition and trial." - Actual client