Broken or dislocated jaws and car accident injuries

There are many car accidents in New Jersey each year, injuring numerous people. One type of injury that some people have in a car accident is a fractured or dislocated jaw caused by facial trauma.

When a jaw is fractured, the person may require surgery to reset the bones and install pins to hold the jaw together. They then normally will have to have their jaw wired shut for six to eight weeks. During this time, the person will be limited to soft and liquid foods. Jaw dislocations normally may be repaired by the doctor gently pushing it back into its sockets with their hands. Some people may need to have their jaw wired shut to keep the jaw in place, but healing time generally lasts about six weeks.

Complications that can occur due to a jaw fracture include accidental inhalation of food or blood, blocked airways, jaw and facial infections, jaw joint pain and difficulty with eating and talking. Symptoms of a fracture include difficulty moving the jaw, bleeding from the mouth, loose teeth, problems opening the mouth and the appearance of a lump on the face.

People who believe they have suffered jaw dislocations or fractures in car accidents should seek medical attention. They may also want to speak with a personal injury attorney about possibly filing a personal injury civil lawsuit in the case if the accident was caused by a negligent driver. Through a lawsuit, injured people may be able to hold the driver civilly liable to pay damages for the injuries and losses they suffered as a result of the accident. Available damages will vary depending on the losses incurred but may include such things as current and expected future medical expenses, any treatment and rehabilitation expenses, current and future income losses, pain and suffering and property losses, among others.