Dental injuries from a car accident can occur anytime there is an impact to the teeth, jaw, or oral tissues. These injuries can have serious physical, financial, and emotional ramifications.
If you or someone you care about suffered dental injuries in an accident, get in touch with a car accident attorney from Max Meyers Law PLLC at 425-399-7000.
Types of Dental Injuries and How They Might Occur in an Accident
In a motor vehicle accident, dental injuries can occur if the lower part of the face hits the dashboard or steering wheel or if the airbag deploys in your face. Mouth injuries and facial injuries can occur in a bicycle accident if the victim hits the ground, a vehicle, or another solid object, e.g., light pole, tree, etc.
Cracked Teeth
Cracked or chipped teeth require the attention of a dental professional within 12 hours of the incident to try to save the tooth. Treatment will depend on how deep the crack or chip is and how healthy the surrounding tissues and nerves are. Treatment can range from a cosmetic bonding procedure for a minor chip to a root canal surgery or extraction.
Loosened/Dislodged Tooth
Loosened or dislodged teeth are still intact but have shifted or moved within the mouth (e.g., shifted sideways, came out of its socket). Dentists recommend that the victim see a dental professional within four hours of the injury. While a dentist may be able to preserve the tooth, it may require splinting or a root canal.
Lost/Avulsed Tooth
A lost or “knocked-out” tooth requires immediate attention if there is any hope of saving the tooth. If a dentist does not replace the tooth within a few hours, the victim may need veneers or implants.
Damages for Dental Injuries
When a victim of an accident has suffered dental injuries, they may be able to recover their present and future dental expenses, such as for root canals or emergency dental surgery. There is usually a need for some form of cosmetic dentistry following an accident. Procedures may include:
- Implants
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Bonding
- Enamel Shaping
Victims may also be eligible for lost wages if they had to take time off work for appointments, surgeries, and/or recovery.
Victims may also be eligible for compensation if their injury caused them to miss business opportunities or required them to find a new job. Injured parties may also be able to recover for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, especially if the injury affected the way they look and causes significant emotional distress.
To be eligible to receive injury compensation from an at-fault party, the injured victim must begin his case as soon as possible. Overcoming injuries from an accident can be difficult enough; do not attempt to recover from your injuries and file a claim alone.
Max Meyers is dedicated to helping Seattle residents recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Contact him today at 425-399-7000.
