Car crashes can change a person’s life in an instant. One of the most difficult outcomes to face involves car accident face injuries, which not only affect physical health but also impact appearance, confidence, and day-to-day living. These injuries may include fractures to the nose, jaw, or eye socket, deep cuts, or burns caused by airbags and fire. Broken or missing teeth, eye damage, and nerve injuries that result in numbness or partial paralysis are also common. Many people are left with scars, chronic discomfort, or permanent changes to their appearance. Care and recovery often require reconstructive operations, long rehabilitation, and the support of surgeons, dental specialists, and neurological teams.
At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we work closely with individuals in Minnetonka, MN, to protect their rights after such devastating injuries.
Facial trauma does more than leave visible marks. It often brings changes that alter how someone eats, speaks, or breathes. The appearance of scars or disfigurement may also affect self-esteem, leading to depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social settings. The emotional side of recovery is just as significant as the physical challenges.
Financial stress adds to the burden. Surgeries, therapy, and repeated doctor visits can cost thousands of dollars. Missing time from work leaves families uncertain about their income, while caregiving responsibilities shift onto loved ones. The reality is that the consequences of facial injuries extend far beyond the initial event, creating an ongoing struggle that requires strong medical and legal support. These challenges may even disrupt professional opportunities, especially in roles that rely on communication or public presence, adding another layer of hardship for many victims.
For many, the recovery process is not linear. Progress may come in small steps, and setbacks are common when additional surgeries or complications arise. The resilience required to move forward highlights just how much strength is needed, not only from the injured person but also from their support system.
The face has fragile structures, making it especially vulnerable in a collision. Facial fractures account for 10 to 15 percent of all trauma injuries nationwide. Injuries that victims often face include:
Even wounds that appear small at first may hide more serious conditions. Imaging tests and prompt medical care are essential to prevent long-term complications. Infections, chronic pain, or vision issues may develop without swift intervention.
How a crash unfolds often explains why the face is at risk. A sudden stop can launch a driver or passenger forward, pushing the head into hard surfaces inside the car. Airbags save lives, but are tied to thousands of facial burns and abrasions yearly. The most common causes of facial trauma in accidents include:
High-speed wrecks make these dangers even worse, and in pileups, the risks multiply. While safety equipment offers protection, the face remains one of the most exposed areas in serious crashes. The violence of impact, even at lower speeds, is enough to cause lasting harm.
Facial injuries often need both immediate and ongoing care. Recovery is rarely quick and may require a mix of emergency and long-term treatments, including:
Some patients heal after months, while others spend years undergoing multiple surgeries. Scars, nerve pain, or reduced functionality may remain long after treatment. For many, counseling and support groups are critical in helping them regain confidence and adapt to the changes caused by the crash.
A dedicated care team, including specialists and therapists, can make recovery more manageable and less isolating. In some instances, patients may also need speech therapy or nutritional counseling, especially if the injuries interfere with chewing or oral movement, adding another dimension to the recovery process.
When a negligent driver causes these injuries, victims may pursue legal action for financial recovery. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and damages for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
In Minnesota, victims may also seek coverage for future surgeries, permanent disability, and disfigurement. Every claim is unique, and seeking legal help ensures the best chance at fair compensation.
States enforce strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Known as statutes of limitations, these laws protect evidence and encourage timely resolution.
In Minnesota, Minnesota Statute §541.05, Subdivision 1 sets six years for most personal injury cases, as outlined by the Minnesota Legislature. Missing this deadline usually bars recovery, making it essential to act before time runs out.
Overcoming facial trauma after a crash requires strength, patience, and trusted support. At Schmidt & Salita Law Team, we guide injured people in Minnetonka through the legal system while helping them pursue financial compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious facial injuries in a collision, call (952) 473-4530 today and learn how we can stand with you throughout the recovery process.
Stephanie J. Schommer is an experienced personal injury attorney with 25 years at Schmidt & Salita Law Team, including 17 years as a lawyer. Recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” attorney, she specializes in wrongful death, medical malpractice, and traumatic brain injury cases. Stephanie has played a key role in securing multi-million-dollar verdicts. Appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court as an Arbitrator for No-Fault Arbitrations, she’s a dedicated advocate for injury victims.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Leasing a vehicle offers flexibility and lower monthly payments, but what happens if you total a leased car in Minnetonka, MN? The ...
view article
If you've been hurt in a crash, you're probably wondering, How long after a car accident can I claim injury? It's a question we hea...
view article
In Minnesota, no statute specifically uses the term road rage, yet the behaviors typically associated with it are far from harmless...
view article
Oveer 135 reviews
1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308
call us: 952.473.4530
