ATV Accident Injuries – Facial Injuries
All-terrain vehicles (ATV) may make for a day of fun and excitement, but all too often it ends in an accident, or in cases of faulty parts, an explosion. From an outward appearance standpoint, some of the worst injuries are those suffered in the facial area. While some scars on the rest of the victim’s body may never quite heal, facial scars and disfigurement are always obvious to the victim of a serious ATV accident or fire.
About Facial Injuries
The emotional effect of these kinds of injuries cannot be underrated, which is why it is important to consult with an experienced legal professional when considering a personal injury claim against the person responsible for the accident or the manufacturer, in case the accident or fire was caused by faulty parts. When it comes to facial trauma as a result of a crash caused by a negligent driver or a vehicle fire caused by a fuel leak or poor wiring, understanding the severity of the injuries is usually critical. Significant injury to the face is medically referred to as maxillofacial trauma. While it may only affect a small portion of the body, the types of injuries can be varied. They include:
- Burns
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Facial bone fractures
- Broken jaws
- Injuries to the eyes
Following a collision, injuries to the facial area and surrounding areas of the head could result in facial disfigurement and even loss of function. They may even later manifest themselves in terms of difficulty moving the jaw or blindness. While these injuries are seldom fatal in nature, such trauma can occasionally result in death or severe blood loss, and sometimes blockage to a victim’s airway. Due to its prominent facial location, the nose is the most frequently injured feature. But even so, a nose fracture is often missed. The typical emergency room treatment for a person with facial wounds after an accident is to ensure that his or her airway is clear and open so that the patient can breathe unhindered. Other considerations usually include the application of bandages and stitching up open wounds. Cold compresses or ice can be used to reduce tissue swelling, and pain medication and antibiotics can be administered to help the patient deal with the pain of the injuries and impending treatment.
Claiming for Your Injuries
Facial and dental reconstructions are expensive procedures. Further, victims of ATV crashes can develop a temporomandibular joint disease which is a painful condition requiring expert treatment. When you consider an injury claim against a negligent rider, it is important also to consider any dental trauma that could have resulted from the accident. Depending on the force of the impact and the kinds of facial injuries sustained, a variety of conditions may be experienced, such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Bruises and cuts to the inner cheeks, tongue, or lips
- Missing teeth
- Persistent toothache
- Broken jaw
Skilled attorneys can help you deal with insurance companies and the responsible drivers to seek compensation for your facial injuries, whether they were caused by a vehicle fire or explosion, or an accident. It is vital that you always wear a protective helmet when operating an all-terrain vehicle so as to minimize the impact of an accident to the facial area.