Missouri Workers’ Compensation and Broken Jaw Injuries
James Hoffmann has practiced workers’ compensation law for over 20 years. If you have a broken jaw injury due to a work accident contact us today!
The jaw bone – or mandible – is the long bone that extends down from the ear, makes up the chin and extends back upwards to the other ear. Any point along this bone can be fractured or broken, resulting in severe pain and the need for acute medical attention. If you have experienced this type of injury due to an accident at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation should cover the cost of your treatment.
If for any reason you are being denied your workers’ comp for a broken jaw injury, you have the legal right to pursue your full benefits. If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim for a work related jaw injury, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today.
What Causes a Broken Jaw?
The most common cause of a broken jaw is from a direct impact from a blunt object. This could occur in a slip and fall accident at work, a car accident, a fall from an elevated point or a direct hit to the jaw by another person. The main fracture will be at the point of impact, and in most cases a second fracture or break occurs upwards, close to the ear. This is due to the force of the impact travelling to the thinnest portion of the bone, causing a fracture there as well.
What are the Symptoms of a Broken Jaw?
In most cases, when your jaw is broken you will know almost immediately. There will typically be bruising and swelling along the jaw line and a feeling that your teeth are misaligned. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth without sharp pain.
A diagnosis of a broken jaw is made by a careful examination of the outside bone structure and the inside of the mouth. An imaging exam may also be utilized to confirm the diagnosis. If the jaw is indeed broken, the jaw bone will be realigned and fixed with wire or metal plates and screws. You may also require additional treatment from a dentist if any teeth were loosened or knocked out from the blow.
When Should You See a Doctor if You Experience Trauma to the Jaw at Work?
Anytime you are involved in an accident at work, a report should be filed with your supervisor and you should visit one of their designated medical professionals. Failure to do this could cost you your right to workers’ compensation benefits if an injury requiring medical treatment is detected later on. With workers’ comp in Missouri is very important that you follow the proper procedure to avoid giving the insurer cause to deny your rightful benefits.
Permanent Disability From a Work Related Broken Jaw Injury
For most people who suffer from a broken jaw, they recover fully when the injury is treated right away. Yet in some cases, you could suffer facial deformity and chronic pain as well as a limitation of movement of the jaw bone. If teeth were affected from the blow, you could also be subjected to a change in your appearance if any are now missing or cracked.
Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney
James Hoffmann has practiced workers’ compensation law for over 20 years, possessing the negotiating skills, trial experience, medical knowledge and insurance acumen to confidently pursue full compensation for every client. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann represents clients throughout the State of Missouri and in the greater St. Louis area.