Dealing With Facial Injuries After an Accident

Facial injuries are all too common for people involved in car accidents. The number of facial injuries has actually slightly decreased due to recent improvements in car design and added safety features. However, facial injuries are still the tragic consequence of many car accidents.

People who suffer facial injuries typically experience significant pain and often require expensive medical treatment, including reconstruction and plastic surgery. Even with the finest treatment possible, those with facial injuries may be left with scars that affect their appearance for the rest of their lives.

If you or a loved one has suffered a facial injury in a car, truck, or boating accident, let the experienced Florida injury lawyers at Searcy Denney help. We’ll treat you with respect and handle your claims so that you can focus on your recovery.

Types of Facial Injuries

• Fractures. Broken noses, jaws, or cheekbones are broken or crushed, often more than one. 
• Soft Tissue Injuries. Soft tissue injuries include injuries to the facial muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
• Burns. Burns to the face can happen due to contact with hot metal, hot liquids, and burst radiator stream. Fires may also develop after an accident.
• Lacerations. Facial lacerations and abrasions are very common, often due to road rash, being thrown through the windshield, or contact with metal.
• Eye Injuries. The eyes are entirely too exposed during an accident.

Treatment for Facial Injuries

Treatment for facial injuries varies based on the location and severity of the injury, often involving immediate treatment on-scene. Ongoing treatment is usually required, as facial repairs are often done in stages, allowing one treatment to heal before beginning the next treatment.

Although injuries to the face itself are not often deadly, injuries that affect the airway may be life-threatening. One of the primary aspects of treating facial injuries must involve making sure the patient’s airway is intact. In some cases, the facial trauma to the nose and mouth may be severe enough to affect breathing, requiring a breathing tube to be inserted into the trachea to allow manual ventilation to assist with breathing.

Bleeding is also a priority and should be treated immediately. Lacerations to the scalp and face may cause significant bleeding.

After immediate treatment to allow for breathing and control bleeding, additional treatment is often needed. Repositioning bone fractures may be accomplished through various techniques; for example, jaw fractures may require using plates and wires to realign the jaw. Lacerations may require multiple sutures and plastic surgery to minimize scarring. In some instances, for example, burns, skin grafts may be needed.

In crushing injuries, entire segments of bones may need restructuring, requiring multiple surgeries. Surgeries to repair facial fractures are not just for cosmetic purposes but are also performed to restore function and treat injuries to facial nerves.

People who sustain facial injuries may have additional medical issues that need treatment, such as dental issues, head trauma, vision problems, etc. Also, if facial trauma has led to deformities and permanent disability, emotional issues may develop, such as self-image issues, depression, and anxiety.

Fortunately, advancements in plastic surgery have improved the outcomes for people with facial trauma. Still, it is often a long road to recovery. Multiple surgeries and rehabilitation may be required, resulting in lost wages and extensive medical bills.

Florida Injury Lawyers Can Help if You Have Suffered Facial Injuries in Florida

Facial injuries can result in extensive physical and mental consequences. If you’ve suffered facial injuries, contact the Florida injury lawyers at Searcy Denney for help. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis.