Facial fractures in automobile accidents are a common form of trauma, often resulting from the impact of the collision. Such injuries can include fractures of the facial bones, which may involve the nose, jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets. These fractures are frequently accompanied by other serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, which can affect cognitive function and coordination, as well as damage to the eyes that may lead to vision impairment. Additionally, facial lacerations—deep cuts or abrasions that can result from shattered glass or blunt force trauma—are also common in these accidents. The combination of these injuries can significantly affect a person’s appearance and ability to speak, chew, and even breathe. Prompt medical attention is essential to assess and address these injuries effectively, as they can have long-term implications for both physical and emotional well-being.
Facial Fracture Types
Facial fractures involve the breakage of bones in different regions of the face, and they are significant injuries that can result from a variety of traumas, particularly motor vehicle accidents. The different types of facial fractures commonly seen in these incidents include:
- Facial bone fractures: Those who have sustained a facial fracture may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injury site. In the case of a nose fracture, the person may have nasal deformity and nosebleeds. If the middle part of the nasal bone is fractured, it can also cause the internal nose bones to fracture. This can expose the person’s brain to the external environment. The person may experience clear nasal discharge and ongoing nosebleeds.
- Fractured jaw (Mandible): The common symptoms include bruising under the tongue, pain, swelling, and difficulty bringing the teeth together. A mid-face fracture can cause clear nasal discharge, difficulty bringing teeth together, bruising, and visual problems. In the case of a cheek fracture, the person may experience symptoms such as a depressed or flattened area in the cheek, a problem moving the jaw, vision problems, blood inside the eye, or changed sensations in the affected area.
- Cheekbone fractures (Zygomatic bone): Also known as zygomatic fractures, cheekbone fractures cause symptoms such as flatness of the cheek, visual problems, changed sensation under the eye on the affected side, blood in the eye on the affected side, and pain with jaw movement.
- Orbital fractures: Those who suffer an orbital fracture from a car accident may have eyes that appear sunken. The patient may also experience other symptoms, such as double vision and altered sensation around the injured eye. If the temporomandibular joint gets dislocated, the patient may have a jaw that is out of line and unable to close their mouth. This joint is located in the front of the ear, where the jaw and the temporal bone are connected.
Recoverable Damages
Facial fractures from automobile accidents can be extremely painful and often require prolonged and extensive treatment. The patient may have to undergo multiple surgeries. Some victims are left with permanent scars or disfigurement as a direct result of the injury or surgery. Recovery is often slow and painful.
You will need an experienced attorney by your side to help you fight relentlessly to recover compensation for your injuries. Damages can be recoverable for lost wages, medical expenses, and overall pain & suffering.
Representation for Facial Fracture Injuries
If you have suffered injuries due to another person’s negligence, contact our experienced injury attorneys today. We serve clients across the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices. Maginnis Howard handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict in your case.
