Chicago Eye Injury Lawyer

Helping Chicago Accident Victims Recover Maximum Compensation for Eye Injuries

The impact of suffering an eye injury can be life‑changing. Seeking help from an experienced Chicago eye injury lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing the financial recovery you need. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges eye injury victims face. Our experienced attorneys fight to help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Eye Injury Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Our Chicago eye injury lawyers have decades of experience representing clients who have suffered eye injuries due to defective products, dog attacks, car crashes, and workplace accidents, securing meaningful compensation for both immediate and long-term harm.

• $4,222,000 Settlement – Helen, a Chicago resident, was preparing dinner in her apartment when a can of cooking spray suddenly exploded in her hand. The blast caused severe facial burns and damage to sensitive eye tissue. Our investigation revealed the manufacturer had ignored safety warnings about pressurization risks.
• $449,000 Settlement – Angela was driving through downtown Chicago when another vehicle ran a red light and struck her car head‑on. The impact caused her head to hit the windshield, resulting in deep facial cuts and ongoing double vision. Testimony from medical professionals about the potential for permanent vision problems played a key role in reaching the settlement.

What Makes Us the Best Eye Injury Lawyers in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $250 million for injury victims across Illinois, including those living with permanent vision loss and serious eye injury. As top-rated Chicago eye injury lawyers, we combine legal skill with compassion to help clients rebuild their lives. 

Our firm has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and maintains a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo. We’re proud to be one of Chicago’s best personal injury law firms.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Eye Injuries and Vision Loss?

Eye injuries can result from a wide range of accidents, and many are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:

• Workplace accidents are a leading cause of eye injuries, especially in construction, manufacturing, and laboratory environments where workers face risks from flying debris, welding flashes, and hazardous chemical exposure.
• Motor vehicle accidents often lead to serious eye injuries due to blunt force trauma, shattered glass, or head impact that affects the eyes and surrounding structures.
• Defective or unsafe consumer products can cause vision injuries, including burns, blunt force trauma, or chemical exposure–common in catastrophic injury cases involving exploding cans, faulty tools, or unsafe eyewear.
• Sports and recreational activities carry a risk of eye trauma, particularly in high-contact or high-speed sports where protective eyewear is not used or fails.
• Assaults and intentional acts of violence can result in traumatic eye injuries, often accompanied by long-term physical and emotional pain.
• Medical malpractice may lead to vision loss through surgical errors, misdiagnosis of eye conditions, or complications from procedures like LASIK surgery.

What Are Common Eye Injuries in Chicago?

Chicago residents suffer a wide range of eye injuries. Even less severe injuries can result in blurred vision, double vision, or lasting discomfort.

Serious injuries like permanent blindness, optic nerve damage, severe corneal scarring, and retinal detachment can lead to lifelong vision loss and require extensive medical intervention.

Other frequently seen injuries include corneal abrasions, chemical burns, retinal tears, orbital fractures, and penetration by foreign objects.

These injuries often interfere with basic tasks–reading, driving, using digital devices, or recognizing faces. Some people lose the ability to work, especially in careers that depend on precise vision, while others struggle with emotional distress caused by disfigurement or loss of independence.

Many patients require specialized care at facilities like the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary and Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department.

What Are the Levels of Visual Impairment?

Eye injuries can lead to varying degrees of visual impairment, from minor limitations to complete blindness. These levels can affect how a person’s day-to-day life and personal relationships.

• Mild visual impairment makes it hard to read small print, see in low light, or recognize objects at a distance. Glasses or contacts often help improve vision.
• Moderate impairment affects daily activities more noticeably. People may have a limited visual field, trouble reading normal-sized text, or need magnifiers and other tools.
• Severe impairment causes major disruptions. Tasks like reading large print, navigating unfamiliar places, or identifying people without help become difficult or impossible.
• Legal blindness is a federally defined standard, usually meaning vision is 20/200 or worse in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.
• Total blindness means no usable vision at all. People rely on hearing, touch, and assistive tools to stay independent.

What Damages Can Eye Injury Victims Recover in Chicago?

An eye injury can lead to long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Our best Chicago eye injury lawyer will assess the full impact of your injury to seek fair compensation through a personal injury claim.

• Medical expenses, such as emergency care, eye surgery, prescription medications, and long-term treatment with specialists
• Lost wages, including missed work during recovery, and loss of earning capacity if vision loss affects future employment
• Pain and suffering, covering both physical discomfort and emotional trauma related to impaired vision or disfigurement
• Loss of normal life, which refers to the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed or perform daily tasks independently

What Is the Average Eye Injury Payout in Chicago?

Based on Law.com’s VerdictSearch, payouts for eye injury claims in Chicago vary widely, reflecting the seriousness and unique details of each case. Reported settlements and verdicts range from as low as $2,286 to as high as $181 million, with a median of $917,678 and an average of $11,648,959.

Several key factors influence case value:

• Severity and permanence of vision loss – Permanent blindness or total loss of vision in one or both eyes typically leads to higher compensation.
• Age of the victim – Younger victims often receive higher awards due to the long-term impact on life expectancy, career, and independence.
• Occupation and lost earning potential – A worker who depends heavily on vision, such as a surgeon or driver, may recover more in lost income.
• Defendant’s liability – Clear evidence of misconduct or gross negligence can increase the likelihood of a larger award or settlement.

Example Eye Injury Cases and Vision Loss Cases Filed in Cook County

$51 Million Verdict – Delayed Delivery Causes Child’s Brain Damage and Blindness

Gerald Sallis Jr. was born lifeless after a five-hour delay in treatment at West Suburban Medical Center, despite his mother’s high-risk pregnancy and signs of fetal distress. The delay led to severe hypoxic ischemia, resulting in cortical blindness, cerebral palsy, spastic quadriparesis, and permanent disability. His mother, Tequila Sallis, filed suit against multiple healthcare providers, alleging a breakdown in communication and medical malpractice. Experts testified that Gerald would have been uninjured had he been delivered earlier. The jury awarded more than $100 million in economic and non-economic damages, but due to a high-low agreement, the total recovery was $51 million, covering future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life.

$27.6 Million Verdict – Truck Crash Leaves Woman Paralyzed with Vision Loss

Nancy Hoffman, 50, became paraplegic and suffered vision problems after a tractor-trailer rear-ended her car near Tipton, Iowa. The driver was allegedly distracted by another motorist moments before the crash. Hoffman sustained a spinal fracture, eye socket injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other permanent conditions. The jury found all defendants were engaged in a joint venture and held them liable, awarding $27.6 million to Hoffman and her family, including damages for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, disfigurement, lost earnings, and spousal claims.

$19.5 Million Verdict – Tow Truck Hood Defect Causes Eye Loss and Facial Injuries

Tow truck driver Quentin Ravizza lost his right eye and suffered facial fractures when the hood of a Kenworth truck slammed shut due to a missing safety mechanism. The jury found Paccar 70% liable and District Rebuilders 25% liable, citing prior knowledge of the defect and failure to implement a known fix. Ravizza was awarded $20 million, including $10 million in punitive damages, reduced to $19.5 million after comparative fault. Damages included physical and emotional pain, disfigurement, disability, and future medical needs.

$18.5 Million Settlement – Movie Set Injury Causes Blindness and Brain Damage

Gabriela Cedillo, 24, suffered head trauma during a Transformers 3 stunt gone wrong. A failed weld caused the cable towing a stunt car to snap, sending metal debris into Cedillo’s windshield. She suffered severe brain injuries, lost sight in one eye, and requires full-time care. Though Paramount initially claimed workers’ compensation should apply, the parties settled for $18.5 million, compensating Cedillo for permanent disability, memory loss, seizures, hallucinations, and lifelong care needs.

Why You Need an Experienced Eye Injury Attorney

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our vision loss attorney team works with top ophthalmologists, vocational experts, and life care planners to build a complete picture of your damages. Whether your injury occurred in a construction zone on a Chicago jobsite, during medical treatment at a local facility like Northwestern Memorial or Stroger Hospital, or due to a defective product sold by a local distributor, our catastrophic injury lawyers in Chicago know how to hold the right parties accountable. 

Our vision loss attorney team has experience handling claims against employers, medical providers, and product manufacturers throughout Cook County. With the proper evidence and strategy, our personal injury lawyer team helps clients pursue fair compensation for both immediate losses and lifelong impact.

How Common Are Eye Injuries in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Eye Center, over one million people in the U.S. suffer eye injuries, and 90% are preventable with proper protective eyewear. In the workplace alone, 2,000 eye injuries occur daily, with up to 20% resulting in temporary or permanent vision loss. Workplace injuries cost an estimated $300 million annually in medical costs, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, there were 18,510 work-related eye injuries or illnesses that led to at least one missed workday, with an incidence rate of 1.7 per 10,000 full-time workers–a drop from the previous year. 11,980 cases involved contact with objects or equipment, often caused by foreign matter in the eye (59.6%) or being struck by an object (35.6%).

Another 4,830 cases were due to exposure to harmful substances, while 1,200 resulted from violence or animal-related injuries.

Where Do Eye Injuries Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Eye injuries happen in a wide range of environments–many of which involve preventable hazards. Construction sites in areas like Fulton Market and the South Loop are high-risk zones, where workers are often exposed to flying debris, welding flashes, and hazardous chemicals.

On the South Side, manufacturing facilities within the industrial corridor see frequent injuries involving machinery, pressurized equipment, and unsafe working conditions.

Chicago’s busy intersections, especially in neighborhoods with heavy foot and bike traffic, are also hotspots for eye injuries caused by car accidents, falling debris, or road hazards impacting pedestrians and cyclists.

Eye trauma is also common at sports complexes, gyms, and recreational areas, where high-speed impacts, lack of protective gear, and rough contact can lead to severe damage.

Whether the injury happens on a jobsite or in everyday life, a top-rated Chicago eye injury lawyer can help determine liability and pursue full compensation.

What Laws Govern Eye Injury and Vision Loss Claims in Chicago?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-21, individuals harmed by dangerous or defective products–such as the prescription drug Elmiron–can bring claims against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers.

If you suffer an eye injury at work, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) entitles you to benefits including medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, disability benefits, and lost wages. This no-fault system applies to most employers and is especially important for injured workers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) holds property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions. This law covers injuries occurring in both public spaces and private businesses throughout Chicago, including retail stores, construction sites, and apartment complexes.

When an eye injury results from medical negligence–such as misdiagnosis or errors during laser eye surgery–plaintiffs must file a certificate of merit, confirming a qualified healthcare professional has reviewed the claim. This is mandated under 735 ILCS 5/2‑622.

In Ready v. United/Goedecke Services, Inc., 232 Ill. 2d 369 (2008), Illinois’ Supreme Court clarified how joint and several liability works in personal injury cases involving multiple defendants. For eye injury victims, this ruling can influence how damages are divided when, for example, both a product manufacturer and a property owner are found liable.

How Long Do Injured Victims Have to File an Eye Injury Claim in Chicago?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you typically have two years from the date of your eye injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing the statute of limitations may permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), injured workers have three years from the date of injury or two years from the last workers’ compensation payment–whichever is later–to file a claim.

Who Can Be Liable for an Eye Injury in Chicago?

Multiple parties may be held legally responsible for an eye injury, depending on how it occurred. Negligent drivers may be liable if the injury resulted from a car accident. Employers are responsible for on-the-job injuries through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. 

If a defective product, such as faulty eye protection or a dangerous drug like Elmiron, caused the injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under product liability laws. Property owners can be held accountable for unsafe conditions under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, and medical professionals may face claims for malpractice involving surgical errors or misdiagnosis.

Common Defenses in Chicago Eye Injury Cases

Defendants in eye injury cases often try to avoid responsibility by claiming the injury was pre-existing. We counter this by using medical records, imaging studies, and expert testimony to show the difference between any prior condition and the new, trauma-related vision loss.

They may also argue that the victim’s own actions caused or contributed to the injury–for example, not wearing safety goggles at work or failing to follow medical advice. We push back by showing the client acted reasonably and that the defendant still had a duty to prevent harm.

Another frequent tactic is disputing the extent or permanence of the vision loss. Defense experts may suggest the damage is minor or treatable. We respond with detailed evaluations from ophthalmologists, vocational experts, and life care planners to document the actual physical and financial impact.

How to Strengthen Your Eye Injury Case

Building a strong case starts with early action. First, get prompt medical attention from an ophthalmologist to diagnose and document your eye injury. Keep any physical evidence, like broken safety goggles or defective products, as they may prove how the injury occurred. If the incident happened at work or in a public setting, ask for an official incident report and gather contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. These details can be key to proving liability.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping eye injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our team begins by conducting a thorough investigation to determine how the injury occurred–whether it involved a defective product, a workplace accident, or medical negligence. 

We consult with top Chicago ophthalmologists and medical experts to evaluate the extent and permanency of your vision loss. When dealing with insurance companies, we negotiate with a clear focus on results. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to present your case in Cook County court and fight for full and fair compensation.

FAQs

Is laser eye surgery dangerous?

Laser eye surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, but it carries risks like dry eyes, glare, halos, infection, or vision changes. Serious complications and medical errors are rare but possible.

Can I sue for partial vision loss?

Yes. If your partial vision loss injury was caused by someone else’s negligence–such as a car accident, unsafe workplace, or defective product–you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Will Illinois workers’ comp cover eye surgery?

Yes. If your eye injury happened while working, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance typically covers medical treatment, including surgery, medications, and follow-up care.

Is an eye injury a disability in Illinois?

It can be. If your injury leads to permanent blindness or interferes with your ability to work or live independently, it may qualify as a disability. This could entitle you to long-term benefits, accommodations at work, and additional compensation through a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim.

Are eye injuries covered by health insurance in Illinois?

Yes. Most health insurance plans in Illinois cover emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment for eye injuries.

How do I know I have a case?

To have a valid eye injury claim in Illinois, four elements must be present: duty, breach, causation, and damages. This means someone had a legal responsibility to keep you safe (duty), failed to meet that responsibility (breach), and that failure directly caused your injury (causation), resulting in measurable harm (damages).

How long will my case take in Cook County?

Eye injury claims in Cook County can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity, severity of injury, number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Your attorney will push for a fair resolution without unnecessary delay.

How much does a Chicago eye injury lawyer cost?

Our experienced eye injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe nothing.

Book a Free Consultation and Secure Expert Legal Guidance

If you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our team has extensive experience handling eye injury claims throughout Chicago and Cook County, and we’re ready to fight for compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation to review your case and explain your legal options. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to speak with a Chicago eye injury lawyer who knows how to protect your rights in the legal process.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

References: [1] US Bureau of Labor Statistics, [2] Construction Dive, [3] International Labor Organization, [4] Illinois WorkNet, [5] City of Chicago, [6] FindLaw, [7] Illinois Department of Transportation, [8] American Academy of Ophthalmology, [9] American Academy of Ophthalmology, [10] National Library of Medicine

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.