Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Car accidents can cause serious injuries to any part of the body, but the face is especially vulnerable in a car collision. Facial injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and burns that can affect your appearance, function, and quality of life. If you have suffered a facial injury in a Miami car crash, you may want to contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to discuss what compensation you may qualify for.
What Kinds of Facial Injuries Are Common in Miami Car Collisions?
Facial injuries can include:
- Soft tissue injuries, which include include lacerations, abrasions, burns, and other injuries that affect the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the face.
- Bone injuries, which include fractures of the nose, cheekbones, jaw, eye sockets and forehead. These can cause deformity, pain and difficulty breathing, eating, or vision.
- Nerve injuries, which include damage to the facial nerve or other nerves that control the movement and sensation of the face. Nerve injuries can result in facial paralysis, numbness, or tingling.
Treatment of Facial Injuries After a Miami Car Crash
The type and severity of the injury, as well as your overall health and your doctor’s diagnosis will determine your treatment. Some facial injuries require proper wound care and medication and will heal on their own. Others may require surgery, reconstruction, or rehabilitation. Here’s how to get the correct medical treatment after a car crash:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Facial injuries can be life-threatening if they cause an airway obstruction or serious injury. A doctor can offer appropriate treatment to prevent complications and improve your outcome.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Whether your doctor has prescribed medications, a bandage, or another course of action, always follow the directions to improve your chances of healing. If you don’t understand a doctor’s instructions, ask for clarification.
- Seek specialist help. It can be useful to speak to a cosmetic surgeon if there is a chance of scarring or disfigurement. You may also want to speak to other specialists soon after your injury. Specialist have training that can mean they may be able to help you heal more fully.
Practice proper wound care. Keep your wounds clean and moist. Wash your wounds gently with soap and water and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment (whatever your doctor recommends) to help prevent scarring and infection. Change your dressings regularly and avoid picking at scabs or stitches. Talk to your doctor about correct wound care and carefully follow their instructions to have the best chance at healing. - Avoid sun exposure. UV light can worsen your facial wounds. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses whenever you go outside and avoid tanning beds or lamps during your recovery and afterwards.
- Seek emotional support. Facial injuries are among the most difficult injuries. They can affect your self-esteem, confidence, and social interactions. People can be cruel and you may feel depressed, anxious, angry, or isolated because of your injuries. Talking to a therapist or support group can help you cope with your feelings and find healthy ways to recover emotionally.
Consult an experienced attorney. If your facial injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, other damages. A lawyer can tell you whether you have a claim and can help you file a claim.
Facial injuries can be life-changing, but with proper treatment and care, you can recover from your injury and get back to your life. If you need legal assistance after a Miami car crash that caused facial injury, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood are open to help people like you recover after serious accidents.