Common jaw injuries include a fracture or dislocation that will impact a victim’s ability to speak or eat, drink and even breathe. If you or a suffered a fractured jaw in a California accident, contact an experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer.
Contact your local attorneys at Maison Law today.
Common Causes of a Fractured Jaw
Direct trauma to the face is the cause of nearly all jaw fractures. That trauma can result in a variety of ways. Here are a few of them:
- Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
- Tripping and falling.
- Workplace accidents.
- Dental negligence.
About the Jaw
The jawbone is known as the mandible. It extends around both sides of the face from the chin to behind and under the ears where it attaches to the skull by a joint on each side of it. Those joints are called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and they might become torn or dislocated as a result of trauma. The mandible is the only joint in the fact that moves. The jaw muscle that we use to chew is strong. It travels from the neck to the jaw where it attaches.
Some Common Symptoms of a Broken or Dislocated Jaw
Most jaw fractures involve instant pain, swelling and bleeding. Here are some other symptoms of a fractured jaw:
- Breathing difficulty as a result of blood blocking the victim’s airways.
- Pain when chewing or speaking.
- Feeling as if the teeth don’t align properly.
- Loss of range of motion of the jaw.
- Discoloration and bruising of the face.
- Distortion in the shape of the victim’s face.
- Teeth that are loosened or lost.
Diagnosing and Treating a Jaw Fracture
A dentist or oral surgeon will diagnose a jaw fracture with an examination of both the outside and inside of the mouth along with panoramic x-rays. In the event of a serious fracture, surgery will likely be required. A specialist might be brought in for that purpose. As per the Facial Fracture Management Handbook at University of Iowa Health Care, the primary objective in treating a jaw fracture is to restore the functionality of the teeth and form of the victim’s face. Treatment ordinarily consists of fixation or wiring with a modified diet. In more serious fractures, surgery might be appropriate with plates, screws and wiring.
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ Dislocation
Dislocation of the TMJ occurs when the surface of the jaw moves forward and out of its natural position. Pain from the dislocation is immediate and intense. According to Penn Medicine, the emergency room approach to this condition is to place the patient under general anesthesia and push the dislocated jaw downward and backward into its normal position. For recurring TMJ dislocation after an initial injury, arthroscopic surgery is the preferred approach.
You Can Pursue Compensation for Your Jaw Fracture or Dislocation
A serious jaw fracture or dislocation can result in severe and permanent pain and facial disfigurement, speech impairment and chronic pain. If you or a family member have suffered a jaw fracture or dislocation as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages. Bringing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the person who caused your jaw injury is the only way to pursue that.
Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Jaw Fracture
After suffering a serious jaw injury anywhere in California, contact us here at Maison Law, and you can arrange for a free initial consultation and case review at no cost or obligation at all. We can talk about how you suffered your injuries and how your life has been affected. Then, we can advise you of all of your legal options. Contact Maison Law right away after suffering any jaw fracture or dislocation.
