Although most Lasik and laser eye surgeries are generally successful with no significant complications, issues do arise on occasion.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), complications can include blurriness, starbursts, glares, reduced vision or other problems.
If you have suffered any of these issues as a result of Lasik or laser surgery, it is important to know what types of damage awards might be available to you and how these damages relate to laser surgery claims when considering whether to bring a claim.
- Medical expenses can include the cost of the initial Lasik or laser surgery, any corrective surgery needed to fix the problems from the original surgery, corrective lenses and other medical expenses that arise.
- Lost wages can be a significant factor if your eye surgery prevents you from maintaining your employment. Some jobs require keen eyesight, and many jobs that require extended time in front of a computer can become impossible if dry, itchy eyes are a factor.
- Pain and suffering is a non-monetary loss, but it is significant. Lasik surgery has been known to cause dry, itchy and painful eyes as well as long-term problems with the flap covering the front of the eyes.
- Emotional distress is another non-monetary damage that can be difficult to quantify, but it can be significant in eye surgery cases. The ability to see is critical to the enjoyment of life for most of us. If simple things like watching a movie or seeing a beautiful landscape have been taken from you due to negligent surgical procedures, you deserve to be compensated for your losses.
While many people think of personal injury damage awards as being limited to more obviously significant physical injuries like paralysis and traumatic brain injuries, eye surgery complications are not insignificant. Even if your symptoms do not seem catastrophic, you deserve to be compensated for pain and discomfort, as well as the decreased of quality and enjoyment of your life.
