A broken arm or leg is a common injury after a car accident. However, there is a real risk of broken facial bones in any type of car crash where a victim is suddenly pushed forward or sideways. 
How Broken Facial Bones Occur
There are 14 different bones in the face. One or more of these bones can be broken when a car accident causes a person to forcefully hit the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or flying debris within the vehicle. In some cases, even the force of airbag deployment is strong enough to result in broken facial bones.
Symptoms and Treatment
Broken facial bones can cause a range of painful symptoms, including bruising, swelling, nosebleeds, trouble breathing, pain in the jaw, decreased sensation in the face, and vision problems. Serious fractures can cause permanent damage to the respiratory system, airway passages, central nervous system, or vision, so it’s vital that an immediate medical evaluation is conducted whenever a facial fracture is suspected.
The treatment for facial fractures depends on which bones are broken. A broken nose will typically heal on its own within three weeks, so pain relief is the main priority. However, a broken jaw or eye socket will likely require surgery.
In some cases, broken facial bones will lead to scarring and/or disfigurement. This can cause depression and social anxiety since a person’s face is often viewed as a core part of his or her personal identity.
Compensation for Broken Facial Bones
Louisiana law gives individuals who’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence one year to seek compensation for accident-related damages via a personal injury claim: This includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering, which includes the emotional trauma and mental health effects linked to a permanently disfiguring injury
- Property damage associated with the accident, which includes your vehicle, as well as personal items such as the cost of replacing broken eyeglasses
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.