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Colorado Springs Eye Injury Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 29 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

How is an eye injury or vision loss claim valued?

By what the loss prevents, and it is frequently understated.

Loss of vision in one eye removes depth perception and peripheral field, which can end certain careers outright and affects driving, and that lost earning capacity is economic and uncapped. Surgery, prosthetics and ongoing ophthalmic care are economic too. The permanent loss of vision is physical impairment, and C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(5) says the cap does not limit damages for physical impairment or disfigurement; pain and suffering fall under the $1,500,000 noneconomic cap for claims accruing on or after 1 January 2025 (C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(3)(a)(II)).

What should I do after an eye injury?

Be assessed by an ophthalmologist rather than only at an emergency department, and do so promptly.

Retinal damage, orbital fractures and chemical injury can present with little pain and worsen over days, and some outcomes depend on how quickly treatment started. For the claim, a specialist's early documented assessment is also what later links the loss to the incident.

Did You Suffer Vision Loss at Work or in an Accident in Colorado Springs?

You can't put a price on healthy eyesight, and any vision loss or impairment can be difficult to cope with. But when that vision loss was the result of another person's negligence, it can be devastating.

Fortunately, Colorado laws are in place to protect victims. The compassionate and tenacious Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., are here to help people recover compensation for their injuries, including impairment. If you or a loved one is suffering from an eye injury or vision loss, contact our Colorado Springs office today at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free evaluation.

Diagnosing an Eye Injury Is Not Simple

Whether through a car accident, a workplace incident, or some other unforeseen event, an injury can leave a person feeling shaken and depressed. When the injury involves a person's eyesight, there's no such thing as a "minor" accident. Even slight vision impairment has serious repercussions.

Eye injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat. For instance, blurry vision following a car crash could be the symptom of a worse injury, such as a traumatic brain injury. People tend to assume a minor injury will heal given a bit of time. But when it comes to your vision, many injuries involve progressive damage, meaning they get worse as time passes, not better. Moreover, eye-related symptoms might not be immediately apparent. They could manifest days or weeks later. That's why the minute you notice any impairment to your vision, you should consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What Are the Most Likely Causes of an Eye Injury?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are roughly 2.4 million eye injuries in the United States every year. Of those, more than 700,000 are the result of a workplace accident, most of which could have been preventable with caution. Unfortunately, it's easy to say what should have happened after the fact.

Other causes of vision loss include:

Defective products
Construction accidents
Head injuries and concussions
Physical assault or abuse
Falling debris
Chemical spills
Caustic, alkali, or acidic substances
Airbag deployment in a motor vehicle
Foreign object penetration

The most common eye injury is bruising or other damage around the eye, what we would normally call a black eye. In more severe cases, swelling may force the eye shut, impairing or completely blocking vision for the victim. If the damage is confined to the area around the eye, and the organ itself was not affected, normal vision will return. A few other eye injuries include:

Infection
Corneal abrasion
Broken blood vessels
Edema (swelling inside the eye)

If there is internal damage to the eye itself, a full recovery might not be possible. For instance, if the cornea has been scratched, your eye will become susceptible to a bacterial or fungal infection.

Call a Colorado Springs Eye Injury Lawyer

Whatever the cause, eye injuries are no joke. If they don't clear up quickly, they can impact a person's ability to work and socialize. Driving will likely be impossible as well. An eye injury victim needs resources and medical care to concentrate on recovering as fast as possible.

That's where we come in. The Colorado Springs vision loss lawyers at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., believe every accident victim deserves to be compensated for their injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies and employee benefit programs don't always agree. We're ready to advocate on your behalf, and we have the skill necessary to succeed. Contact us today at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions: Eye Injuries in Colorado Springs, CO

If you or a loved one has suffered an eye injury in Colorado Springs, you may have many questions and concerns. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand the unique challenges you’re facing and want to provide you with the answers you need. Here are some frequently asked questions and their informative responses:

What should I do immediately after sustaining an eye injury?

Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the injury and initiate necessary treatment. Document the details of the incident, including the cause and any witnesses, and report it to the relevant authorities.

How can I determine if I have a valid eye injury claim?

A valid eye injury claim typically involves proving that someone else’s negligence or intentional actions caused your injury. To assess the validity of your claim, it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., who can provide personalized guidance based on the circumstances of your case.

How long do I have to file a claim for my eye injury in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including eye injuries, is typically two years from the date of the injury. It’s essential to act promptly to ensure you don’t miss the filing deadline.

What damages can I recover in an eye injury claim?

You may be eligible for compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries. An attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages.

Can I negotiate with the insurance company on my own?

While it’s possible to negotiate with insurance companies independently, it’s important to remember that they may try to minimize your compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

How much will it cost to hire an attorney for my eye injury case?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand the financial concerns of our clients. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case.

What sets The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., apart as Colorado Springs eye injury lawyers?

Our firm has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in eye injury cases. We provide compassionate, personalized guidance, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and pursuing your rightful compensation.

How long do I have to bring a claim for this injury in Colorado?

It depends on how you were hurt, not on the injury. Three years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); two years for most other causes — a fall, a defective product, an assault (C.R.S. 13-80-102(1)(a)); and only 182 days to serve written notice if a public entity is responsible (C.R.S. 24-10-109(1), which the statute makes jurisdictional). Confirm which one governs early rather than assuming the longest.

What does an eye injury claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. An eye injury review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

What kinds of eye injury support a claim?

Orbital fractures, chemical and thermal burns, penetrating trauma, retinal damage and traumatic vision loss. Partial loss — reduced field, double vision, light sensitivity — is compensable and is frequently under-documented.

Who is liable for an eye injury?

Whoever caused it: a driver, an employer's contractor on a site, a product manufacturer, a property owner. Workplace eye injuries very often reach a third party alongside the employer.

Where is an eye injury claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most claims settle without a court appearance; if one does not, the lawsuit is filed there and must be filed before the deadline runs.

Why does vision loss change the value so much?

Because it affects the ability to drive and to do many jobs, and that lost capacity — not the surgery — is usually the largest part of the claim.

How is the loss measured?

Through formal visual field and acuity testing rather than description, repeated over time so the permanent level is established rather than the immediate one.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.