An eye expert for evaluation of eye injuries can be invaluable for legal assessment. A well-informed assessment may help evaluate a potential case for causation, extent of damages, and prognosis. The proper assessment of eye injury cases helps attorneys provide the best representation for their clients.
The eye can be injured when and object such as a fist or work-related accident strikes the eye. Alternatively, the eye can also be injured when a chemical substance makes contact with the eye. Foreign agents such as cleaning agents, toxic chemicals, and products for industrial use are some of the substances that can cause significant injury to the eye. These injuries are often treated by an eye expert. An eye expert witness qualified in ocular trauma is often consulted for evaluation of the case.
When dull objects strike the eye the degree of damage often depends on the direction and degree of force. Examples blunt force injuries include falls, assault, and motor vehicle accidents. Direct force to the eye may result in a fracture of the eye socket, a rupture of the eye, or internal bleeding in the eye. Bleeding near the surface of the eye is known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Internal bleeding in the front chamber of the eye is known as a hyphema. Bleeding into the center of the eye is known as a vitreous hemorrhage. Bleeding can also occur in a very delicate layer in the back of the eye known as the retina. An eye expert witness with experience in ocular trauma can provide testimony about the different types of bleeding and their significance.
On the other hand, injury from a sharp object can cause a laceration involving the conjunctiva, cornea, or sclera. Laceration injuries can be caused by a variety of tools and explosive devices. Workplace injuries from foreign bodies projected into the eye from grinding instruments, saws, and hammers are common. These injuries require proper attention. Often, foreign bodies in the eye need to be removed promptly to avoid infection, scar tissue, and retinal detachment. Eye expert witness testimony by a board-certified ophthalmologist experienced in ocular trauma can evaluate such injuries for causation, treatment issues, and prognostic implications.
Individuals who have an injury to the eye often experience symptoms. The most common symptoms of injury to the eye include pain, blurred vision, double vision, distorted vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots in the visual field. Blunt trauma to the eye can cause corneal abrasions which can be very painful. Blurred vision can result if an injury causes damage that interferes with the path of light as it enters the eye. Blurred vision and distorted vision can result if there is damage to the retina. Light sensitivity can result if injury to the eye causes inflammation in the eye known as iritis.
Spots that are perceived as small objects that move in the visual field are know as floaters. Spots that form after trauma can be due to blood or condensation of the vitreous jelly in the center of the eye. Case evaluation by a board-certified eye expert witness with experience in ocular trauma may provide consultation, reports, and testimony in deposition or in court regarding the consequences of trauma to the eye.
The role of an eye injury expert witness can be indispensable in the analysis of injuries of the eye. The degree of injury, extent of damages, and the affect of the future lifestyle of a client with eye injuries are important considerations for medical-legal evaluation.