You might not realize how often you use your facial muscles every day until you can’t do it any longer. Facial paralysis injuries can be devastating to their victims. Victims might be traumatized from the way they look or their inability to communicate; especially if they’re in a professional where they rely on expressiveness. These injuries can result from accidents or birth injuries, medical malpractice, and more. If you’ve suffered facial paralysis as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be eligible for compensation. Here is an overview of what you might be able to recover.
Recovering from Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis can be either temporary or permanent. It can occur from dental procedures, like injecting anesthesia into a nerve. Your newborn could suffer facial paralysis from birth injuries (it’s common with Bell’s palsy), or you might experience it as a result of a brain tumor or a stroke. Accidents, especially those with traumatic brain injuries, also pose a risk of facial paralysis.
When you have facial paralysis, it’s not just your expressions that are limited. You may have trouble chewing, closing your eyes, speaking, and more. Some facial paralysis resolves itself over time, especially if there were no permanent injuries involved.
If the facial paralysis doesn’t resolve on its own, you may have to undergo reconstructive surgery, muscle replacement, and other intense medical treatments. Physical therapy may be necessary—and all of this will affect your work, school and other obligations.
Damages for Facial Paralysis
If you file a lawsuit against a medical practitioner or someone who caused an accident, you may be eligible to recover damages for your losses. Typically, damages are sorted into two major categories: economic and noneconomic. Economic damages are the kind that are easily quantified: medical bills, therapy bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses.
Noneconomic damages are intangible, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of society and consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Depending on the specific facts of your case, you may be able to recover one or both types of damages. Keep in mind that the state of Ohio places a cap on noneconomic damages.
Ultimately, talking to a personal injury lawyer is the best way to determine what you may be able to recover. They’ll evaluate your case and help you understand what to expect.
Get Help from an Ohio Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
Have you suffered facial paralysis as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness? I’ll Make Them Pay!® We’ll work together to hold them responsible for your injuries, so you don’t have to bear those costs alone. Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation.
