Nose and Nasal Injury Attorney
Helping Injury Victims Nationwide
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.