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Facial Fractures From a Car Accident
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. One of the most shocking and painful injuries someone can experience after a collision is a facial fracture. In Chicago, where dense traffic often leads to serious crashes, facial injuries are unfortunately all too common. Understanding how these injuries happen, the impact they can have, and what your legal options are is crucial for anyone affected. If you or a loved one has suffered facial fractures from a car accident, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to help you get the compensation and care you deserve.
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How Do Facial Fractures Occur in Chicago Car Accidents?
Facial fractures often result from blunt force trauma. During a car crash, even those wearing seatbelts can be thrown forward, striking their face on the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, or side window. The sheer force involved in collisions on busy Chicago roads can easily break the delicate bones of the face.
Common situations leading to facial fractures include rear-end collisions at high speeds, T-bone accidents at intersections, and side impacts. Sometimes, debris from shattered glass or flying objects inside the car can also contribute to these injuries. For example, a driver’s face might hit the airbag with such force that, while the airbag prevents more severe injuries, it still causes fractures to the nose, cheekbones, or jaw.
Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable because their facial bones are either still developing or more fragile. Even lower-speed crashes can result in significant trauma. Understanding how these injuries happen is the first step to protecting yourself and seeking prompt legal and medical assistance when necessary.
Types of Facial Fractures Commonly Seen After a Car Accident
The human face contains several bones that can be fractured during a car accident. Each type of fracture can affect your health and appearance differently. Here are the most common:
- Nasal Fractures: These are the most frequent facial fractures, as the nose is the most prominent part of the face. A broken nose can lead to breathing difficulties, disfigurement, and chronic sinus problems if not properly treated.
- Orbital Fractures: The bones surrounding the eyes are called the orbits. A hard impact can crack these bones, causing vision issues, pain, and swelling. In severe cases, orbital fractures can lead to double vision or even blindness.
- Zygomatic Fractures: The cheekbone, or zygomatic bone, helps define your face. A fracture here can cause facial asymmetry, difficulty opening the mouth, and numbness due to nerve damage.
- Maxillary and Mandibular Fractures: The upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) can both be broken in a crash. These injuries can make eating, speaking, and breathing difficult. Jaw fractures often require surgical intervention.
- Le Fort Fractures: These are complex fractures that involve the midface and may extend into the upper jaw, nose, and eye sockets. They are especially serious and can affect multiple functions.
Each type of facial fracture requires a different treatment approach and can result in long-term consequences if not addressed properly. Recognizing the signs and seeking immediate medical care is vital after any accident involving facial trauma.
The Physical, Emotional, and Financial Impact of Facial Fractures
A facial fracture is more than just a broken bone. The repercussions can be overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life.
Physically, facial fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Some people experience difficulty eating, speaking, or even breathing. Vision problems may arise if the injury involves the area around the eyes. Many patients also require surgery and may face a long recovery period that includes physical therapy and reconstructive procedures.
Emotionally, the trauma of a car accident and the lasting changes to one’s appearance can be devastating. It’s common to feel self-conscious, anxious, or depressed after sustaining facial injuries. Returning to work or social activities can be challenging when you’re worried about how others perceive you, or if you’re constantly in pain.
Financially, the costs add up quickly. Medical bills for emergency treatment, surgery, follow-up care, and medication are only the beginning. If the injury keeps you from working, lost wages can make things even harder. Some people require long-term or lifelong care, rehabilitation, or cosmetic procedures.
These impacts underscore the importance of holding the responsible parties accountable and seeking fair compensation for all your losses — not just medical bills, but also pain and suffering and lost income.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Facial Fractures in Chicago
If you or a loved one suffered facial fractures in a car accident in Chicago, you have legal rights. Illinois law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence caused the crash.
Negligence is a legal term that refers to someone’s failure to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances, such as a driver who is texting, speeding, or running a red light. If another driver caused your accident, their insurance company may be responsible for covering your damages.
However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They might offer a quick settlement that doesn’t account for the full extent of your injuries, or even deny your claim altogether. That’s why it’s essential to have a personal injury law firm like Briskman Briskman & Greenberg on your side. We can help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records.
Compensation for facial fractures may include:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Future medical needs, including reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
Our team is committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
What to Do If You Suspect a Facial Fracture After a Car Accident
If you think you’ve suffered a facial fracture after a car accident, your health should be your first priority. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Some facial fractures are emergencies, especially if you have trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or vision changes. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor promptly — some fractures can worsen without treatment.
- Document Your Injuries: Take clear photos of your injuries as soon as possible, and keep records of your medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and adhere to any recommended therapies.
- Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may use your statements against you. Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer before discussing your case in detail.
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm: Legal help is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has a proven track record helping car accident victims in Chicago recover after serious injuries.
Taking these steps can make a significant difference in your recovery and the outcome of your legal case.
FAQs about Facial Fractures from Car Accidents in Chicago
How long does it take to recover from a facial fracture after a car accident?
Recovery depends on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as your overall health. Simple fractures may heal in a few weeks, while complex cases can take months and may involve multiple surgeries or therapy sessions. It’s essential to follow your physician’s guidance for the best outcome.
Can facial fractures lead to permanent disfigurement?
Some facial fractures can cause lasting changes to your appearance, especially if the bones are not set correctly or if the injury is severe. Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery may be needed to restore function and appearance.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a settlement right away?
Be cautious about accepting an early settlement. Insurance companies often offer less than you may need to cover all your expenses and losses. Consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and negotiate on your behalf.
Are there time limits for filing a facial fracture injury claim in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident. However, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your case. Reach out to a personal injury law firm right away for guidance.
More Facial Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
- Airbag Injury From a Car Accident
- Lacerations and Abrasions From a Car Accident
- Eye Injuries From a Car Accident
- Dental Injuries From a Car Accident
- Facial Fractures From a Car Accident
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