Vision Loss from Surgery
Losing your vision or becoming totally blind after surgery is rare, but when it does happen it can be one of the most devastating experiences to go through. Many of us take for granted our vision, and losing our vision suddenly, can turn our world upside down. If you or a loved one have lost your vision as a result of surgery, you should look into whether you can make a claim for malpractice compensation.
We have attorneys who will provide you with obligation-free legal advice about making a claim for compensation. Just complete the Contact Form to find out more.
Blind after Lasik Surgery
Lasik surgery is a laser assisted surgery in which top layers of the cornea are cut through to create a flap. The laser beam is then used to change the shape of the cornea, with the aim of correcting the patient’s vision. The flap is then replaced.
Medical malpractice can occur for example if you become blind after lasik surgery, especially if it can be proven that you were not a candidate for the surgery, but the eye doctor wrongly advised you that you were suitable to have the procedure. For example, the patient may have a pre-existing condition like steep corneas which would rule them out from surgery.
Doctors need to adequately screen patients, and ensure that each patient is given adequate warnings as to risks associated with the procedure. Some patients are simply not candidates for such procedures, yet doctors will encourage them to undergo the procedure, because the doctor is simply interested in making money. When something goes wrong, the patient may have a claim for malpractice, especially if they were not a suitable candidate for lasik surgery in the first place.
Malpractice can also occur if the doctor fails to properly use the equipment whilst performing the laser eye surgery. Another instance of malpractice may be if the doctor fails to adequate follow-up the patient post-operatively, and/or fails to appropriately treat complications that may arise from the procedure.
Blind after non-eye surgery
On rare occasions, a patient who is having surgery for a non-eye related condition such as spinal or back surgery, can actually wake up from surgery with vision loss or blindness.
Sometimes what can happen is that the optic nerve is damaged during the surgery because there has been a disturbance in the flow of oxygen during the procedure, for example with low blood pressure during the surgery. In some cases, careful monitoring of anesthesia changes in the patient could have prevented this. Our lawyers can expertly evaluate your case to determine whether there was any malpractice involved on the part of the anasthetist and/or surgeon.
Compensation for loss of eyesight
Loss of vision can have profound impact on the way you live your life. It can affect your ability to work, your relationships, your activities of daily living, leisure and hobbies. With assistance you can learn to adjust to your change in circumstances. Compensation can help pay for medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, counseling, and other support measures that you may need.
Personal Injury Lawyers
Our personal injury lawyers have experience in handling a wide-range of vision loss claims caused by medical malpractice including:
- Malpractice involving surgery, including elective refractive surgical procedures with lens extraction;
- Improper anesthesia during a procedure;
- Medication Errors;
- Failure to diagnose and treat eye conditions including retinal tears and retinal detachments.
If you would like some free advice, please complete our Contact Form and a lawyer will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
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