Face Injuries Suffered in an Accident Can Be Life-Changing
When having a conversation with someone, we automatically look at the person’s face. Our faces are a crucial aspect of our identity. They allow us to express joy, apprehension, excitement, anger, and other emotions.
Severe injuries to the face are not only painful physically but can also result in deep psychological pain. Many facial injury sufferers struggle with body image issues, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress long after the injury-causing accident. Some suffer permanent vision or hearing loss.
If you or a loved one sustained facial lacerations, puncture wounds, burns, or broken bones in the face, you are probably well aware of how impactful these types of injuries can be. Individuals who suffer face injuries in a car accident, dog attack, or another incident caused by another party’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for damages.
Facial Trauma Can Cause Physical, Mental, and Financial Consequences
Injuries to the face or “maxillofacial injuries'' are often caused in car crashes, truck crashes, and motorcycle crashes. Some injuries are the result of defective airbags. Dog bites can also lead to severe facial injuries including deep wounds that cause lifelong scarring. Fires and explosions caused by unsafe properties may also lead to facial burns and other injuries. Many people who sustain severe injuries to the face are left with scars or disfigurement that permanently alter their lives.
Studies show that disfiguring facial injuries are associated with:
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Reduced satisfaction with life
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Negative body image
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Increased risk for binge drinking and alcoholism
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Increased risk for depression and anxiety
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Social withdrawal and isolation
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Marital problems
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Greater chances of unemployment
People who suffer serious face injuries often require significant medical intervention including reconstructive surgery. They may need to stay in the hospital for days, weeks, or months while recovering. This medical care can be extremely expensive. When added to the cost of lost income due to missed work, property damage, and other financial losses, the personal and financial cost of a severe face injury can be massive.
How to Pursue Financial Compensation for Face Injuries
When facial injuries are caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of another party, that party may be required to pay damages. Face injury victims may be able to get compensation for:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Past and future lost wages caused by missed work
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Reduced earning capacity
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Vehicle damage or other property damage
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Non-economic damages including reduced quality of life, physical pain, mental anguish, and disfigurement
Contact a Chicago Facial Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a face injury in a car crash, work accident, dog attack, or another injurious event, contact Schwartz Injury Law for help. Our Orland Park personal injury attorneys understand that money cannot reverse the impact of a disfiguring injury. However, a personal injury claim may help you hold the at-fault party accountable and recover reimbursement for medical bills and other losses. Call us today at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15838211/#