When a reckless act robs someone of their sight, the consequences extend far beyond a medical diagnosis—it becomes a daily struggle to read, drive, work, or simply see the faces of loved ones. Eye injuries represent some of the most severe and life-changing harms a person can experience. Whether involving a corneal laceration from flying debris, a retinal detachment following a car accident, or permanent blindness resulting from chemical exposure, such injuries demand immediate medical attention and a powerful legal response.
Georgia Eye Injury Lawyer
The attorneys at McArthur Law Firm advocate for Georgians whose vision is lost or impaired due to another person’s or company’s negligence. They recognize the enduring challenges that accompany vision loss—both the medical hardships and the financial strain that follows.
In this piece, McArthur Law Firm outlines what every victim and family should understand about Georgia eye injury cases: how these injuries occur, who may be held accountable, what legal remedies exist, what forms of financial recovery may be available, and how a Georgia Eye Injury Lawyer can fight to secure the compensation and justice victims deserve.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your eye Injury, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Eye Injuries in Georgia
- Different Types of Eye Injuries
- Common Causes of Eye Injuries
- Where Eye Injuries Commonly Happen in Atlanta and Macon
- Who May Be Held Responsible for an Eye Injury in Georgia
- What a Georgia Eye Injury Lawyer Does for Victims
- Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Injuries
- Resources
Different Types of Eye Injuries
Corneal Abrasions and Lacerations — When the clear front surface of the eye is scratched or cut, the resulting pain can be severe, and vision may become blurred. Even minor scratches carry a risk of infection, while deeper lacerations can scar the cornea and lead to partial or total blindness. Without prompt medical attention, the damage can worsen and cause permanent vision loss.
Orbital Fractures (Broken Bones Around the Eye) — A strong impact to the face can fracture the delicate bones surrounding the eye. Such fractures may trap muscles, restrict eye movement, and cause blurred or double vision. Severe orbital fractures can injure the optic nerve or blood vessels located behind the eye, sometimes resulting in blindness if pressure or swelling is not promptly relieved.
Retinal Detachment or Tear — When the retina, the light-sensitive tissue responsible for vision, separates from the back of the eye, symptoms may include flashing lights, floating spots, or dark shadows. Without immediate treatment, the retina can fully detach, causing irreversible blindness. Surgical intervention can sometimes restore sight, but the outcome depends heavily on how quickly treatment is received.
Hyphema (Bleeding Inside the Eye) — Blood collecting between the cornea and iris may appear as a reddish haze. This buildup increases intraocular pressure and can damage the optic nerve, resulting in partial or complete vision loss if left untreated. Even minor internal bleeding should be evaluated by an eye specialist right away.
Chemical or Thermal Burns — Exposure to strong chemicals or extreme heat can destroy eye tissue within seconds. Damage may continue even after the source of injury is removed, and severe burns can cause blindness in one or both eyes. Immediate flushing with clean water and emergency medical care are critical and may determine whether recovery is possible or blindness occurs.
Penetrating Eye Injuries — Sharp objects, glass, or flying debris that puncture the eye can damage the cornea, iris, or retina. These injuries are extremely serious and almost always cause some degree of vision loss. Total blindness can occur if the optic nerve is affected or if infection spreads throughout the eye.
Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (Optic Nerve Damage) — A forceful blow to the head or face can injure the optic nerve, disrupting the connection between the eye and the brain. This type of trauma often leads to sudden, permanent blindness, even when the external appearance of the eye seems normal.
Blunt Force Trauma and Eye Rupture — A heavy impact, such as from a vehicle collision or a punch, can rupture the eyeball or cause extensive internal bleeding. Pain occurs immediately, and vision loss can happen within seconds. Eye rupture nearly always results in permanent blindness in the affected eye, with emergency surgery offering the only chance of preserving any vision.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries
Workplace Accidents — Many eye injuries happen on the job, especially in construction, manufacturing, and laboratory work. Flying debris, sparks, chemicals, or high-pressure tools can damage delicate eye tissue. While some injuries heal, others result in permanent vision loss or blindness.
Motor Vehicle Collisions — Car crashes can cause severe eye trauma from shattered glass, airbag impact, or metal fragments. The force of deployment or debris can lead to hyphema, retinal tears, or optic nerve damage, sometimes leaving victims permanently blind in one or both eyes.
Sports and Recreation — Sports like baseball, basketball, or racquetball often lead to blunt eye trauma. Even a small hit can cause a detached retina or corneal laceration. Without fast medical care, what seems like a minor injury can result in partial or total blindness.
Defective or Dangerous Products — Tools, machinery, and household products that break or malfunction can send sharp fragments or chemicals into an individual’s eyes. Product-related injuries can range from corneal scratches to chemical burns that cause irreversible blindness.
Home and Everyday Accidents — Accidents with cleaning supplies, gardening tools, or falling objects frequently lead to eye injuries. Even simple chores can become dangerous when chemicals splash or dust enters someone’s eyes. Many of these injuries cause lingering vision loss if not treated right away.
Violence and Physical Assaults — Blunt or sharp force trauma from a fight or assault can fracture the orbit, rupture the globe, or sever the optic nerve. These violent injuries are among the leading causes of permanent blindness in adults and require immediate emergency care.
Where Eye Injuries Commonly Happen in Atlanta and Macon
Atlanta Construction Sites and Industrial Areas — In Atlanta, construction zones and industrial corridors like those along I-20, Midtown, and the BeltLine see frequent eye injuries. Workers handling welding torches, saws, or concrete tools are at constant risk from sparks, dust, and flying debris. These accidents often cause corneal lacerations, burns, or even blindness when eye protection fails or isn’t used properly.
Macon Manufacturing Plants and Warehouses — Macon’s manufacturing hubs, especially near the I-475 industrial belt, are known for heavy machinery and chemical handling. Workers face high risks of eye injuries from pressurized fluids, sharp fragments, and corrosive substances. Severe chemical burns and penetrating injuries here can quickly lead to permanent loss of sight if not treated immediately.
Atlanta’s Busy Highways and Traffic Corridors — Car crashes on interstates like I-75, I-285, and I-85 often lead to traumatic eye injuries from shattered glass or airbags. Emergency rooms across the metro area frequently treat hyphema, orbital fractures, and optic nerve damage after collisions that leave victims partially or totally blind.
Macon’s Local Roads and Distribution Routes — Delivery and trucking routes around Macon see similar dangers. Drivers and passengers often suffer eye trauma from debris or accidents involving industrial vehicles. These injuries can progress from minor abrasions to blindness if not evaluated right away.
Atlanta Sports Facilities and Recreation Centers — From community basketball courts to professional training gyms, sports-related eye injuries are common in Atlanta. A fast ball or elbow can rupture the eye or detach the retina, often leading to lifelong vision loss. Even recreational players should wear certified eye protection.
Macon Schools and Community Parks — Local parks and high school sports fields around Macon are frequent sites of blunt-force eye trauma. Coaches and families often underestimate how quickly swelling or bleeding can lead to blindness. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
Who May Be Held Responsible for an Eye Injury in Georgia
Employers and Businesses — When an eye injury occurs in the workplace, the employer is generally responsible under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9). This system allows injured employees to recover medical expenses and lost wages without having to prove fault. If another party—such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance company—contributed to the injury, the injured worker may also pursue a separate third-party claim to recover additional damages beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Negligent Drivers — Automobile accidents frequently cause severe eye injuries from shattered glass, airbag deployment, or flying debris. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, an injured party may recover damages when another driver’s negligence causes harm. Georgia’s comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) permits recovery as long as the injured party is found to be less than 50% at fault. However, the total amount of damages awarded is reduced by the individual’s percentage of responsibility.
Property Owners and Landlords — Unsafe premises—such as those with falling debris, poor maintenance, or exposure to hazardous chemicals—can result in liability under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1. Property owners and landlords have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions. When they know, or should know, about a dangerous condition that causes injury, an injured person may bring a premises liability claim to seek compensation for medical costs, pain, and other damages.
Manufacturers and Product Sellers — If defective or unsafe products such as tools, safety equipment, or chemicals cause eye injuries, the manufacturer may be held liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. In some situations, retailers or distributors can also share responsibility, as provided under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11.1. These cases often require expert testimony to demonstrate that a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or failure to warn directly contributed to the injury.
Medical Professionals — When a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to or worsens an eye injury, the injured patient may file a medical malpractice claim pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-11-9.1. This statute mandates an affidavit from a qualified medical expert outlining how the professional failed to meet the accepted standard of care. Successful claims may result in recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Assailants and Third Parties — Individuals who intentionally cause eye injuries can be sued under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-13 for the damages resulting from their wrongful acts. Additionally, a property owner or business may share liability under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 if negligent security or lack of reasonable protection allowed the assault to occur. Victims of intentional harm may pursue both civil damages and, in some cases, restitution from the criminal offender.
What a Georgia Eye Injury Lawyer Does for Victims
Investigating the Eye Injury Case — A Georgia eye injury lawyer conducts a comprehensive investigation to determine how the injury occurred and how it has affected the victim’s vision. The attorney collects medical records, witness statements, and expert analyses to establish both the cause of the injury and the full extent of the resulting damages. This evidence forms the foundation of a strong legal claim.
Handling Insurance Claims — Insurance companies often attempt to reduce or deny compensation for eye injuries. The attorney manages all correspondence and negotiations with insurers, ensuring that the victim’s rights are protected. They work to secure fair compensation for medical care, vision therapy, rehabilitation, and lost income—both current and future.
Filing a Lawsuit for Severe or Permanent Vision Loss — When insurance negotiations fail to provide an adequate resolution, the lawyer files a lawsuit under Georgia law to pursue damages for blindness, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. Eye injury litigation frequently involves medical experts and detailed visual-impact evidence to illustrate the full scope of the victim’s loss.
Calculating the Full Range of Damages — The attorney assesses all economic and non-economic damages resulting from the injury. This includes medical expenses, assistive devices, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In cases involving reckless or intentional conduct, the lawyer may also seek punitive damages to hold the responsible party fully accountable.
Why Eye Injury Cases Are Different — Eye injury cases are inherently complex due to the medical and lifelong implications of vision loss. An experienced attorney focuses on protecting the client’s vision, documenting future medical needs, and ensuring that compensation accurately reflects the gravity of permanent impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Injuries
What should be done immediately after suffering an eye injury?
The individual should avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the injured eye. If a chemical is involved, the eye should be gently rinsed with clean water, and emergency care should be sought immediately. Prompt treatment significantly increases the likelihood of preserving vision after a traumatic eye injury.
Can compensation still be recovered if the individual is partly at fault for the eye injury?
Yes. Under Georgia’s comparative negligence rule, compensation may still be received if the injured person is less than 50% at fault. The total recovery amount is reduced by the percentage of fault, which a Georgia eye injury lawyer can help calculate accurately.
How long is allowed to file an eye injury claim in Georgia?
Generally, an individual has two years from the date of the eye injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly allows an attorney to gather strong evidence and protect the right to full compensation for vision loss.
How much compensation can be obtained for an eye injury?
The compensation amount depends on medical expenses, lost wages, and the extent of vision impairment. Severe injuries or blindness typically result in higher settlements. A Georgia eye injury lawyer assesses damages based on both short-term and lifelong effects.
Will insurance cover all medical expenses for an eye injury?
Usually not. Many insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts, particularly for vision loss. A Georgia eye injury lawyer negotiates with insurers to ensure that medical bills, surgeries, therapy, and long-term vision care are fully covered and fairly valued.
What happens if the eye injury occurred at work?
Most employees in Georgia are protected by workers’ compensation under O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9. This coverage includes medical treatment and partial wage replacement. If a third party contributed to the injury, the lawyer may also pursue a separate personal injury claim.
Should someone hire an eye injury lawyer to handle the claim?
Yes. Eye injury cases involve complex medical and legal considerations. A lawyer collects evidence, communicates with insurance adjusters, files legal documents, and ensures that full compensation is obtained for blindness or other permanent vision impairments.
Resources
MedlinePlus – Eye Emergencies — This MedlinePlus page from the U.S. National Library of Medicine provides information about different types of eye emergencies, including blunt trauma, chemical injuries, and foreign objects in the eye. It explains symptoms, first aid steps, and when to seek medical attention.
National Library of Medicine – Blunt Eye Trauma — This StatPearls entry on the National Library of Medicine’s website details the causes, evaluation, and treatment of blunt eye trauma. It explains the different types of injuries that can result from blunt impact, outlines diagnostic procedures, and describes management and prognosis.
National Library of Medicine – Ocular Injuries Associated With Motor Vehicle Accidents: Long Term Effects on Quality of Life — This research article discusses the long-term effects of ocular injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. It presents findings from a study conducted at a trauma center, describing common types of eye injuries, safety measures, recovery times, and the impact on patients’ ability to return to work and daily life.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Eye Injuries in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
