A facial injury can damage the bones, skin, muscles, nerves, teeth, eyes, or other structures of the face. Depending on the severity of the trauma, an injury may require surgery, dental work, reconstructive procedures, or other ongoing medical care.
Some facial injuries also cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or problems with vision, speech, eating, and other everyday functions. When someone else is responsible for the accident that caused the injury, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation for the resulting losses.
A facial injury is any trauma that damages the structures of the face. It can involve soft tissue, facial bones, nerves, teeth, or sensory organs and can range from relatively minor cuts and bruising to fractures and permanent disfigurement.
The effects of facial trauma can extend beyond appearance. Depending on the location of the injury, a person may experience difficulty seeing, speaking, chewing, breathing, or moving parts of the face. Serious injuries may require treatment from several medical specialists.
Facial trauma can affect several structures at the same time. Common facial injuries include:
Some accidents cause multiple injuries. For example, a facial fracture may occur along with lacerations, dental damage, or an eye injury.
Facial injuries can occur when the face experiences direct impact, strikes another object, or is hit by debris.
Common causes include:
How the injury occurred can help determine whether another person or entity may be legally responsible for the resulting damages.
If another person or entity is legally responsible for causing a facial injury, the injured person may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include:
Non-economic damages may include:
The damages available will vary based on the injuries, treatment required, long-term effects, and other circumstances of the claim.
A facial injury claim is valued based on the extent of the injury, its long-term effects, and the financial and personal losses it causes. Injuries involving permanent scarring, functional impairment, or extensive future treatment may result in greater damages.
Factors that can affect a claim include:
Medical records, photographs, treatment plans, and medical opinions can help document the extent and long-term effects of an injury.
Liability for a facial injury depends on how the injury occurred and who was responsible for causing it.
Potentially liable parties may include:
More than one party may share responsibility for the same incident. Identifying all potentially liable parties can also help determine which sources of compensation may be available.
Wisconsin generally gives an injured person three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within the applicable statute of limitations can prevent the injured person from pursuing compensation through a lawsuit.
Different deadlines or procedural requirements may apply in some circumstances, including certain claims involving government entities. The applicable deadline should therefore be determined based on the facts and type of claim.
A personal injury lawyer can handle the legal and insurance issues involved in a facial injury claim while documenting both the immediate and long-term effects of the injury.
An attorney can:
These steps can help establish liability and document the full extent of the damages caused by a facial injury.
Facial injuries can involve fractures, dental damage, nerve damage, scarring, disfigurement, and other conditions that may require extensive treatment. A claim may account for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent changes in appearance, and other effects of the injury.
Determining who is liable, documenting the extent of the injury, and accounting for future treatment can be important parts of pursuing compensation.
At Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C., our attorneys have 140 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million in compensation for injury victims. If your injury has disrupted your ability to work or maintain your normal routine, speaking with a legal professional can help you understand the next steps you should take.
Contact our Madison personal injury attorneys today at (608) 905-7795 and get an initial free consultation.
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