When it comes to car crashes, the face is one of the most exposed areas of the body. A person’s head is where the airbag will expand to, where glass shards will fall, and where other objects from outside the car will land. While many people think of whiplash or traumatic brain injuries in reference to car crashes, the facial injuries alone can be devastating. If you or a loved one have sustained facial injuries in a crash that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for the pain, the recovery, and the long-lasting effects. Contact an experienced Little Rock personal injury attorney for more information on the legal process of submitting an insurance claim and recovering monetarily for your injuries.
Common Facial Injuries Due to Car Accidents
Our face is an integral part of how we interact with the world. Our eyes help us see, nose helps us smell, and facial muscles express emotion. Facial injuries can permanently change how we view the world and how the world views us. Common facial injuries seen as a result of car crashes include:
● Lacerations – Windshields are designed not to crack and side, roof, and rear windows are meant to shatter to avoid shards of glass. However, car windows can still cause deep lacerations to the face if the crash is severe enough.
● Soft Tissue Damage – This refers to both the skin and gums. Bruising is considered soft tissue damage.
● Dental – If a tooth is cracked or knocked out, the injured party should see an oral surgeon as soon as possible. They may be able to save the tooth, but a root canal or expensive dental implants may be necessary.
● Fractures – The face is made up of fourteen bones. Many fractures will require reconstructive surgery and may leave a person permanently disfigured.
● Eye Damage – A traumatic brain injury can lead to eye damage but even an airbag opening at the face can lead to vision problems.
The Costs of Facial Injuries from a Car Crash
There are financial costs associated with facial injuries. Even if a person avoids the hospital, they may need to visit a maxillofacial surgeon, oral surgeon, or ophthalmologist for treatment. There may also be a need for cosmetic surgeries at a later date. During recovery a person may miss work, which means lost wages.
Then there are the emotional damages of having facial damage. According to an article published by PubMed.gov, people who have facial injuries are prone to having a lower satisfaction of life and more negative self-image than their peers. They may also suffer from depression, alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and marital stress.
Contact Pfeifer Law Firm Today
If you, or someone close to you, experienced facial trauma during a car crash caused by another party, it is time to speak with a lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you through the process of submitting an insurance claim and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to receive compensation. At Pfeifer Law Firm in Little Rock, our personal injury attorneys understand the financial and emotional costs of a facial injury. While you take the time necessary to recover from your injuries, we will work hard to represent you and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. Contact us online at 501-374-4440. There is no charge for the consultation, and you don’t owe us any money until we recover for you.