Nose and Nasal Injury Attorney

What is Nasal and Nose Injury?

Nasal injury is trauma to the nose or the areas directly around the nose that can result in deformity or an impaired sense of smell. With its position in the front of the face, the nose is the primary focus of any nasal or nose injury. In fact, almost half of all face injuries involve the nose itself. But there is a plethora of other surrounding areas that can also be listed as nasal trauma. In fact, an injury in any area that surrounds or supports the nose and its proper functioning is considered a nose injury.

The nose itself is made of bone, cartilage, flesh and tissue. The outside of the nose is rarely the most severe form of nasal trauma. But when the nose is hit or forced into an object, damage to that bone, cartilage or tissue occurs. And since the blood vessels are close to the surface of the internal structure of the nose itself, some amount of trauma is typical. The severity, then, depends on the injury itself.

A bloody nose is a form of nasal trauma. Although most bloody noses are neither series nor life-threatening, they are by definition trauma. And there are others, such as inhaling irritating substances, accidentally lodging foreign objects in the nose, and damage cause by picking or scratching or colds. The resulting trauma will be minor symptoms such as nosebleeds and swelling. But there are far worse conditions.

One of the worst is a nasal injury. This type of fracture occurs when the immoveable small piece of bone that protrudes to the middle of the nose is struck. The bone itself is thin at its spot closest to the end of the nose and a blow in the right direction can snap the tip off. The result is a painful and often disfiguring injury.

A broken nose can cause myriad other complications such as:

• Trouble breathing
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaking from the nose
• Bleeding of the nose
• Bruising around the eyes
• Swelling of the face
• Distortion of the shape of the nose
• Pain
• Loss of smell

Two major types of nasal fractures exist:

• Unilateral Fracture
• Bilateral Fracture

The procedure to repair any broken nose is called a reduction process. The physician can often do this with his hands through the skin of the nose itself with no incisions. But if the fracture is to the nasal-septal area is significant, an open reduction – or full surgery — may be required.

An open reduction procedure is usually reserved for more complex nasal fractures and is done by performing an incision and opening the nose and manipulating the bones back to their original location. In an injury where a septal hematoma — in other words, where the space between the nostrils is damaged – an open reduction is almost always required. Similarly, in the case of infection, cerebrospinal leakage, scar tissue issues, an open reduction is in order.

As bad as they are, nasal fractures are usually identified quickly through physical exam. Any physician will want to determine whether the fracture is simply one of the nasal bones or whether it involves other facial bones or the nasal septum, which requires urgent treatment.

When diagnosed and treated within a few days of the injury, most nasal fractures can often be repaired simply by the doctor pushing the bones back into place by hand through the skin. But if the nose is not tended to immediately – within two weeks – the quick fix is largely negated and reconstructive surgery will likely be necessary to repair the broken bones in the nose. Often this requires several months six months of healing before the surgery can be completed – as well as a longer healing time afterward.

If the nose isn’t broken, there can still be severe injury. Often the injury is from breathing in irritating or caustic substances. With such injury, the immediate concern is that not only the nasal passage and nose are damaged, but the respiratory system as well. But in the nasal passages, harmful substances can directly irritate membranes, causing lasting damage such as a loss of smell and taste.

These are often acute in a working environment. If you have had prolonged exposure – especially without PPEs – you may have permanent damage to your nasal passages.

Irritants that need to be considered are:

• Some cleaning solutions and powders
• Ammonia
• Bleach
• Metalworking fluids
• Sulfur dioxide
• Paint thinners
• Prolonged tobacco use – primary or secondary
• Chromic acid
• Copper dust

Some of these symptoms may be medically alleviated, but many are deadly to the patient and his or her family.

Fortunately, you may have recourse in the event of a nasal or nose injury. Having an attorney with a focus in head injury litigation is critical. Since we will take your case on a contingency basis, you will not pay a thing unless you win your lawsuit. If you win or settle your lawsuit, The Doan Law Firm will charge a percentage of the compensation amount, leaving you free from the costs of the actual court case.

The Doan Law Firm can assist in determining damages owed you after a nasal or nose injury. The Doan Law Firm knows that accidents don’t wait for daylight hours to happen and we’re available to answer your phone call any time, day or night, at (800) 349-0000. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation.