Facial trauma is one of the most devastating crash-related injuries. The damage is clearly visible, and in some cases, permanent. In addition, crash victims are likely to suffer lifelong mental trauma and emotional anguish as a result of their injuries.
Crash-related facial injuries can occur when a driver or front passenger’s face makes contact with the airbag. This can result in burns to the face or other blunt trauma, depending on the impact of a frontal crash or head-on collision. Facial injuries can also be caused by side-impact crashes (T-bones) due to shattering glass and limited protection from the door.
Common Facial Injuries Caused by Crashes
People who sustain facial trauma in collisions often experience:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes lacerations, contusions, bruises, internal bleeding, swelling, inflammation, burns, scarring, and damage to connective tissue.
- Fractures: The jaw, bones around the eyes and cheeks, and bridge of the nose can be broken in a collision. Facial fractures may be accompanied by bleeding, swelling, limited eyesight, trouble breathing, trouble eating or speaking, and permanent disfigurement.
- Infections: Bacterial infections can be caused by open wounds, swelling, and oral damage.
A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Surgery analyzed crash-related facial injuries sustained by approximately 409 patients. The study found that:
- The majority of patients had multiple facial injuries, most commonly affecting the mid-face.
- Only 159 patients had isolated facial injuries.
- 368 patients had facial fractures, 77 percent of which were treated with surgery.
- Nearly half of patients with severe facial trauma required intensive care with an average hospital stay time of 5.5 days.
- In addition to facial trauma, crash victims often sustain traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers in the study found that the leading causes of severe facial trauma were:
- Car wrecks
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
How Do Doctors Treat Facial Injuries?
Medical treatment for facial injuries depends on the severity and which facial functions are compromised. Mild facial injuries may only require:
- Applying ice
- Stitches for lacerations
- Time off from work and certain activities
Severe facial injuries may be require:
- Corrective surgery (sometimes multiple surgeries)
- Installation of metal plates, pins, and wires to hold broken bones in place
- Prescription medication for pain and inflammation
- Installation of dentures
- Mental health treatment
How Can I Rebuild My Life After Sustaining a Facial Injury in a Car Accident?
A serious crash-related facial injury can be a life-changing event. Even after recovering from the physical injuries, crash victims may experience life-long suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of life enjoyment — all because of someone else’s reckless actions.
If you were hurt in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you should be able to get the best care possible without paying out-of-pocket. If you’re faced with costly medical bills, wage loss, and other damages, an experienced Alabama car accident attorney at Mike Slocumb Law Firm can help.
We have built a reputation for holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions and helping crash victims get the compensation they deserve. We serve clients in Alabama; Baltimore, MD; Jackson, MS; Charleston, WV; Denver, CO; and the District of Columbia.
Contact us online to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.