during this first step, we will discuss the specifics of your situation, providing valuable insights into what you can anticipate from your claim.

we will start the process of gathering compelling evidence to support your case. This may include medical records, incident reports, witness testimonies and any correspondence with people or organisations involved in the incident. If your claim involves financial setbacks, we’ll need relevant financial documentation showing your losses.

once we've built a robust case, we’ll reach out to the responsible party and their insurance provider, formally notifying them of your claim.

if the defendant accepts liability, we can enter into compensation negotiations. In cases where liability is contested, rest assured that we’re well-prepared to escalate matters to court.

while many compensation claims are successfully settled through amicable means, some may need court intervention.

upon the successful conclusion of your claim, we’ll make sure the defendant fulfils their obligations and provides you with the compensation you rightfully deserve.

If you’ve suffered an eye injury due to an accident, there are specific time limits for making a claim. Typically, you have three years from the date of the accident or incident responsible for the injury, or the date of "knowledge," which refers to when you became aware that:

• The injury was significant
• It was caused by someone else’s negligence
• You could take legal action to seek compensation

In cases of delayed diagnosis or medical negligence, the time limit may begin when the connection between the injury and negligent treatment becomes clear.

There are some exceptions to the three-year limit:

• Children: in cases involving children, claims can be brought at any point before the child's 18th birthday. Following this, the child has until the age of 21 to independently bring their claim.
• Mental capacity: if you’re acting on behalf of a person lacking the mental capacity to pursue a claim themselves, the standard time constraints may not apply.
• Criminal injuries: for eye injuries resulting from criminal acts, such as assaults, the claim must typically be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years of the incident.

Each personal injury case is unique, presenting its own distinct challenges. Starting the process early gives us the best chance of constructing a strong case. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us as quickly as possible so we can begin working to secure your compensation.

When pursuing compensation for an eye injury, various factors are considered and will impact the value of your claim:

General damages cover the physical and emotional trauma stemming from your eye injury. Different types of injuries warrant different amounts of compensation in line with the Judicial College Guidelines . The more severe the injury and its impact, the more compensation you will be able to claim for:

• Physical pain and suffering, including the discomfort and challenges directly caused by the injury, such as pain during recovery or ongoing discomfort.
• Impact on quality of life, such as loss of enjoyment of hobbies, activities, or social events due to impaired vision.
• Emotional and psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to the injury, especially if it has caused a permanent disability or visible disfigurement.
• Long-term or permanent effects like vision loss, scarring, or chronic conditions.

Special damages account for the financial setbacks you've encountered due to your eye injury. You will need to provide evidence of your expenses through receipts and bank statements. Expenses that can be covered include any that may be directly related to your injury, such as:

• Medical expenses: costs for initial treatment, specialist consultations, surgery, medications, and any future medical care.
• Rehabilitation costs: expenses for vision therapy, physiotherapy, or other treatments required to aid recovery.
• Loss of earnings: compensation for income lost due to time off work, as well as reduced earning potential if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
• Care and assistance: costs for help with daily tasks during recovery, including professional care or support provided by family members.
• Adaptations to living arrangements: modifications to your home, such as enhanced lighting or other accommodations for impaired vision.
• Travel expenses: costs for attending medical appointments or treatment sessions, including mileage, public transport, or taxi fares.
• Other financial losses: this can include damages to personal property, such as glasses or protective equipment, or costs related to cancelled plans due to the injury.

Determining the precise amount of compensation you can claim depends on your individual circumstances and the specifics of your case.

We offer eye injury claims services on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, which makes the process accessible and risk-free for you. You won’t need to pay any legal fees at the start of your claim. This ensures that financial concerns don’t prevent you from pursuing compensation. If we are not successful in claiming  compensation, we won’t ask you to pay our fees. 

If your claim is successful, a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation will go towards covering your legal costs. This percentage is capped to ensure fairness and transparency.

If you have legal expenses insurance, such as through a home or motor insurance policy, it may cover some of the costs associated with your claim. We can advise on whether this applies to you. Call us today to learn more.

If you suffer an eye injury, taking the right steps will improve your health and help you lay the foundations for a strong compensation claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: even minor eye injuries can develop into serious problems if left untreated. Visit an optometrist, GP, or A&E to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Medical records will also serve as essential evidence for your claim.
2. Report the incident: notify the relevant party, such as your employer, a property owner, or the manager of a facility, depending on where the injury occurred. Request a written record of the incident if possible.
3. Document the accident: take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that contributed to the incident. Note down key details, including the time, date, location, and how the injury occurred.
4. Gather witness information: if there were witnesses, collect their names and contact details. Their statements can help support your claim.
5. Keep records of expenses: retain receipts, invoices, and other evidence of costs related to the injury, such as medical bills, travel expenses, or lost earnings.
6. Consult a solicitor: contact an experienced personal injury solicitor through Switalskis as soon as possible. We can guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.

Anyone who has suffered an eye injury due to the negligence, carelessness, or actions of another party may be eligible to make a compensation claim. This may be due to an accident caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate safety measures, or negligence in public or private spaces.

Parents or legal guardians can make a claim on behalf of a child under 18. If no claim is made during this time, the child has until their 21st birthday to pursue the claim themselves.

If the injured party cannot make a claim due to reduced mental capacity, a family member, friend, or appointed litigation friend can act on their behalf. In such cases, the usual time limits may not apply.

If you’re unsure about whether you can claim, get in touch with us today for an initial consultation to assess your circumstances with no obligation.

You can make a claim if your eye injury occurred at work, provided the injury resulted from your employer’s negligence or failure to meet their duty of care. Employers are legally required to provide a safe working environment and take reasonable steps to protect employees. Common causes of workplace eye injuries include:

• Lack of proper eye protection
• Inadequate training
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
• Hazardous work environments

To support your claim, you should report the injury to your employer immediately so it’s documented in the company’s accident book. Seek medical attention and consult a solicitor to understand your rights and begin the claims process.

In some circumstances the responsible party may deny liability for your eye injury. This doesn’t mean your claim is over, and your solicitor will work with you to collect any additional evidence you have not already provided, such as:

• Medical reports detailing the extent of your injury.
• Witness statements supporting your version of events.
• Photos, videos, or documents that clearly establish the cause of your injury.
• Independent expert testimony from medical or accident reconstruction specialists.

Your solicitor will communicate with the responsible party or their insurance provider to clarify the evidence and try to resolve the dispute. If the responsible party still disputes liability, your case may need to proceed to court. While this can be intimidating, your solicitor will guide you through every step, presenting a compelling argument on your behalf.

We will keep you updated throughout the process so you understand your options and the likely outcomes of your claim. At Switalskis, we’re experienced in handling accident claims and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.