Cataract Compensation

Claiming compensation for the contraction of cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy patches or areas of murkiness in the crystalline lens of your eye, which is located immediately behind the iris. Cataracts usually develop more in one eye but can easily occur in both. They are more likely to occur in older people; a UK research study showed that 30% of people aged over 65 years old had cataracts in one or both eyes impairing their vision.

These cataracts, however, are naturally occurring, an inevitable result of aging, and would not be able to be claimed for. The cataracts of which this page speaks is those whose onset was aided and accelerated through workplace activity and could therefore be attributed to negligence on the part of the employer in failing to adequately protect an employer.

Causes, symptoms and prevention

Careers affected by cataracts as an industrial disease may not be well-known, but they do, however, exist. The fact that they involve quite a narrow range of professions mean that the fact is not that widely disseminated, but for those who are affected the issue is not so easily dismissed.

It is believed that the most likely occupation to contract the illness are glass and metal workers, along with stokers. This is because they have a prolonged exposure to radiation from red hot and white hot materials. Other likely causes include long term exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation exposure. These things can cause cataracts to form far faster than they otherwise would, or lead to worse cataracts than might otherwise have developed.

There are numerous symptoms of cataracts that affect your vision. The most common are when light appears to be dim or in bright lights the glare may be rather uncomfortable to look at. Also everyday activities such as reading and watching TV may be more of a struggle with colours looking faded and less clear.

There is no valid prevention of cataracts but it is important to know what you can do to try and prevent the illness. For example; protecting your eyes from powerful sunlight with sunglasses or a hat, a good diet will also help along with reducing and preferably stopping smoking altogether.

Personal injury compensation claims for cataracts

If you have suffered from cataracts as a result of being exposed to radiation from red hot and white hot materials you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Of course, in order to make a claim, it must be demonstrated that the cataracts were formed as a result of work you undertook, otherwise you will not be entitled to damages from the company in question as they will not be found to be at fault for your injury.

However, if you can prove necessary steps were not taken to prevent or reduce your exposure, as well as providing medical evidence, it is likely that you will be rewarded compensation for any harm the cataracts caused and the inconvenience and problems they may have imposed upon your life. It is recommended you seek the help from a professional solicitor when making a claim.

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