Vision Loss

It is not uncommon for people involved in car accidents to suffer blows to the head. While some people who endure such force only develop minor injuries, others sustain devastating and irreparable harm. For example, some people lose their sight following crashes. Vision loss impacts every aspect of a person’s life, and when it is caused by a preventable accident, it can lead to frustration and anger. While no amount of financial compensation can make up for the sudden loss of vision, people who develop partial or total blindness following car accidents are often able to recover damages from those responsible for their harm. The dedicated Cape Cod lawyers of The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, take pride in aiding people hurt in collisions in the pursuit of justice, and if we represent you, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Our attorneys have over one hundred and fifty years of mutual experience representing people hurt in car crashes in lawsuits on Cape Cod and in Plymouth. Our dedicated advocacy has enabled us to obtain numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Typically, vision loss is caused by age or a degenerative disease. Though it is less common, blindness can also be caused by trauma affecting the brain or eyes. For example, blunt force trauma to the head or face can cause torn retinas or damage the optic nerves. Additionally, shattered glass, chemicals or gases released by vehicles following a collision, and airbag deployment can cause injuries to the eyes that ultimately result in vision loss. Usually, vision loss caused by car crashes is unilateral, which means it only affects one eye. In some instances, though, both eyes sustain damage, causing total blindness. People who suffer vision loss often can no longer work or earn an income and need assistance performing the activities of daily life.

People who suffer vision loss in car accidents can often recover compensation from the parties responsible for their harm, usually the individual who caused the collision. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may be held accountable as well. Typically, a plaintiff seeking damages in a civil lawsuit for harm sustained in a car accident will have to prove the defendant's negligence.

In Massachusetts, negligence is made up of four components: duty, breach, damages, and causation. Duty refers to a duty the defendant owes to the plaintiff. In most cases, it is the duty to act as a reasonable person would in the same situation, but it may be an obligation imposed by law. A breach is an act or omission that constitutes a departure from the duty. The third and fourth elements, damages and causation, are intertwined in that the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach caused the accident, which in turn caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.

In some instances, a defendant may attempt to evade liability by arguing that the plaintiff’s negligence caused the accident. Under Massachusetts law, however, a plaintiff is only precluded from recovering damages if their fault exceeds that of the defendant. Otherwise, their damages will merely be reduced in proportion to their negligence.

Injuries that cause vision loss are life-altering, and people that carelessly cause such harm should be held accountable to the full extent of the law. If you lost your ability to see due to a car accident, it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of John C. Manoog, III, our skilled Cape Cod car accident lawyers possess the knowledge and resources needed to achieve successful outcomes, and if you engage our services, we will set forth compelling arguments on your behalf. We have a history of favorable verdicts, including many that exceed one million dollars. We aid parties injured in collisions in the pursuit of damages on Cape Cod, and we are also available for consultations in Hyannis and Plymouth. You can contact us through our form online or at (888) 262-6664 to set up a meeting.