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Are You Dealing with a Fractured Jaw from a Car Accident? Learn About Potential Complications to Be Aware Of

If you have been involved in a car accident that resulted in a broken jaw, we must insist that you talk to a personal injury attorney experienced with fracture injuries before you decide to agree to any settlement. Even if an insurance company is willing to accept responsibility for your current medical bills, complications could result in much higher bills than you are currently anticipating.

Keep reading to learn about these complications. If you are in this position, please contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to ensure you get the care you need.

Short-Term Complications of Jaw Fractures

Any mandible or jaw bone fracture can result in serious hemorrhage and blocked airways, which could result in hypovolemic shock. Other immediate complications include:

  • Compromised airway. Breaking your jaw can cause bleeding, swelling, displacement of the bone, and blocked aspiration. If the fracture is severe, the tongue support could be compromised and the airway to the lungs could become blocked.
  • Severe bleeding. It is not common but some people who break their jaw do experience substantial blood loss that could be life-threatening.
  • Damage to the teeth and gums. Both are very vulnerable when a jaw fracture occurs and will require intervention by a dental professional. Not getting this care could lead to serious and even deadly infections.

These are just some of the short-term complications that can make a broken jaw much more serious than most people may realize.

Long-Term Complications of Jaw Fractures

In the days, weeks, or even months after the jaw fracture there can be additional complications. This can include:

  • The bone may not heal correctly. There are many reasons that the jawbone may not heal correctly and one of the most common issues is bones healing without osseous union where there was just limited bone volume. This can require additional surgery.
  • The bone may heal poorly. In addition to not healing correctly, the bone could actively heal incorrectly. This involves bones that do not fixate or otherwise are not healed correctly. Once again, this may require surgical help.

These are just two of the many potential long-term complications of a jaw fracture.

It is Essential to Talk to an Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement

If you accept a settlement based on your initial injuries, you could end up signing away your right to sue for future injuries. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we strongly recommend that you contact us at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a car accident. Do not agree to anything, do not admit fault, and do not sign anything – call an attorney first.