While they may not be as common as broken bones, head trauma, and whiplash, eye injuries from Baltimore County, Maryland auto accidents can be devastating for the victims. As humans, we rely on our sense of sight to help us engage in the most fundamental activities; an injury that reduces or takes it away is truly life-changing. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the US every year, and roughly 9,500 of them are the result of a car crash. There are many different types of eye injuries that can occur due to the impact of an auto collision, but a few of the more common scenarios include:
Air Bag Deployment
It is true that this crucial safety equipment saves thousands of lives every year, but the explosive force of air bag deployment is often to blame for eye injuries. You may expect a soft, pillow-like effect, but the true nature of the air bag is much more violent. Victims may sustain eye injuries when the bag hits their face, despite the use of a seat belt.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Though there may be no direct contact with the eyes, a car crash that causes TBI may also affect vision. Even a slight trauma can impact the occipital lobe at the mid-back of the brain, leading to blurred vision, spatial perception problems, visual acuity, and degenerative brain conditions. Some studies show that up to 40% of TBI victims also report some vision issues.
Lacerations and Debris
You know there is significant discomfort when you get a dust particle or eyelash in your eye, so you can imagine how much pain you experience when larger debris causes a scratch. Glass, dirt, dust, objects within the car, and many other types of materials become airborne in an auto crash. Plus, foam particles from air bag deployment can be another source of eye injury.
Orbital Bone Fracture
When you look at an image of the human skull, you see two sockets that house the fragile tissues of the eye. The orbital bone is one of the strongest bones in the body, but the force from a car accident could result in a fracture. This is an extremely painful eye injury that can be further complicated if shards of bone enter into the eye.
Eyelid Injuries
The eyelid keeps particles from entering the eye and maintains moisture for the globe, but it is quite delicate. If you suffer injuries to your lids that prevent them from doing their job, an intricate, precise surgery is usually necessary to return them to a healthy state. This type of cosmetic surgery tends to be quite involved and expensive, even when the eyes themselves are not the subject of the injury.
If you experienced an eye injury in a Baltimore County, MD auto accident, you need a skilled, knowledgeable attorney to assist in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Please contact attorney Michael A. Freedman to schedule an initial consultation regarding your legal rights.
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