Can I Include Facial Injuries From a Crash in My NJ Injury Claim?

After a NJ crash, some victims may suffer severe facial injuries that result in temporary or permanent scarring and disfigurement. These injuries may require a lengthy recovery, as well as ongoing and extensive treatments. The medical costs of facial trauma create a significant financial burden for victims and their families. Who pays for the medical costs and other damages resulting from facial injuries after a crash?

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, our New Jersey auto crash lawyers are deeply committed to holding negligent drivers liable for the damages they cause. We have spent decades advocating for injured victims and have a proven record of success.

If you sustained facial injuries and other damages in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, we are here to help. We are prepared to work tirelessly on your behalf to recover the full and fair compensation you need for your medical costs and other losses.

Experienced. Winning. Lawyers. On your side. Call (800) 518-0508

How Common Are Facial Injuries From a Car Crash?

Unfortunately, facial injuries from a car crash happen a lot more often than you might think. In fact, studies show that nearly half of all crash victims may suffer some type of facial injury during the impact of a collision.

What Types of Facial Injuries Could Occur in a NJ Collision?

Crash victims could suffer minor to catastrophic injuries to the face during the impact of even a minor fender bender.

Some of the most common types of facial injuries may include:

Nerve Damage

Soft-tissue injuries sound minor in comparison with other types of facial trauma you could suffer in a crash. While this is partly true, soft-tissue injuries could cause temporary or permanent nerve damage. In the face, this could leave a victim unable to blink properly or make facial expressions, such as smiling.  Depending on the location of the soft-tissue damage, this injury could also affect a victim’s vision in some way.

Facial Fractures

Facial fractures are extremely painful and may sometimes require surgery to help the bone to heal back together properly. For some facial trauma victims, a fracture could leave some disfigurement and chronic pain.

Any area of the face could suffer a fracture, but the most common facial fractures include:

• Broken or dislocated jaws – A dislocated or fractured jaw makes it painful to eat, chew, swallow or talk. This type of facial trauma may also require corrective surgery.
• Orbital bone fractures (these are the eye socket bones) – Orbital fractures could cause a number of vision problems. In some cases, severe fractures may cause a crash victim with facial trauma to suffer chronic eye pain due to nerve entrapment.
• Maxillary fractures – These fractures are in the middle of the face. Victims may appear to have disfigured, flattened facial structures in the affected area. Secondary complications may also occur as a result, such as jaw pain, numbness or other altered sensation in the area. Some facial fracture victims may suffer some vision problems as well.

Facial Burns

A deployed airbag can cause thermal burns to a crash victim’s face, chest, arms and hands. On occasion, something may cause a vehicle to ignite after the collision, which could cause a victim to suffer burns. Depending on the degree of a burn, a victim may need multiple surgeries and skin grafts. Sometimes burns may be so severe that the victim may be left with permanent scarring.

Lacerations and Deep Gashes to the Face

Any type of cut or laceration can leave permanent scarring. Some facial gashes may get infected. If they are bad enough, a victim with facial trauma may need to have plastic surgery to repair the damage and minimize the scarring.

Dental Injuries

Some crash victims may hit their face hard enough on the steering wheel, dashboard or other object during the crash to cause a dental injury. If the tooth gets cracked, broken or fully knocked out, it could require a costly tooth replacement procedure.

Can I Include Damages for Facial Injuries in a Car Crash Claim?

The extent of damages you may be eligible to recover will vary, depending on the type and extent of your facial trauma, the expected recovery time and whether you will suffer permanent facial disfigurement and scarring as a result.

Damages you may likely be able to seek compensation for in your claim could include:

• Medical costs
• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Scarring and disfigurement damages
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Assistive devices you may need
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future damages

Why Seek Legal Help for a Facial Injury From a Car Crash?

Working with an attorney who has experience managing cases involving facial injuries could greatly benefit the outcome of your claim. Facial injury cases have unique complexities compared to other types of car crash cases.

One key example of how these cases are different is how the insurance company assesses the overall value of a crash victim’s facial injuries and resulting damages. Compensation for facial scarring and disfigurement is partially based on factors, like age and gender. You need an attorney who understands how to successfully dispute these arguments on your behalf. It is also vital that you have an attorney who is prepared to tirelessly negotiate on your behalf or represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Call Our Trusted Law Firm After a Facial Injury

At Lynch Lawyers, PC, our legal team is prepared to handle every aspect of your legal claim so you can fully focus on your recovery.

If you suffered a facial injury from a car crash, we encourage you to call an attorney right away. New Jersey has strict deadlines for seeking compensation in an injury claim. Taking the first step and contacting an injury lawyer is the hardest. However, if we determine your case has merit and you choose to hire our firm, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.

Request your FREE case review today (800) 518-0508