Broken Jaw Compensation Claims

A broken jaw can be excruciating and make it difficult to eat, drink or talk as you usually do. Furthermore, you may be unable to work, do sports, or engage in other hobbies during recovery, which can take several months. This can lead to emotional distress, anxiety and significant financial losses.

Many accidents could lead to a fractured jaw, including road collisions, criminal assaults, accidents at work, sports incidents and slips, trips and falls. If the accident was not your fault, you might be eligible to make a personal injury claim. Broken jaw compensation covers the pain and suffering caused by the injury, as well as related financial losses.

If you’d like to find out if you can make a claim, please call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a personal injury solicitor. Alternatively, please enter your details into our online form to arrange a call back.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Signs and symptoms of a broken jaw injury
• Treatment and possible consequences of a jaw fracture
• Am I eligible to make a broken jaw compensation claim?
• What evidence will I need to make a claim for a fractured jaw?
• Common accidents leading to a broken jaw claim
• Can I claim if I suffered a broken jaw at work?
• Frequently asked questions
• Can I claim compensation on behalf of my child?
• What is the time limit to start a claim for a broken jaw?
• How much compensation for a broken jaw could I receive?
• Can I claim broken jaw compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

Signs and symptoms of a broken jaw injury

A broken jaw occurs when there is a break or fracture in the jaw bones. These bones support the teeth, give shape to the face and allow the mouth to open and close. A broken jaw injury typically refers to fractures of the lower jaw, also known as the mandible. Fractures of the upper jaw bone (maxilla) are rare and generally are considered facial injuries.

Experiencing facial trauma is the primary cause of a fractured or broken jaw. This injury can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

• Immediate pain at the site of the fracture, especially when moving the jaw or attempting to speak;
• Swelling around the jaw and face due to inflammation;
• A feeling that the teeth do not fit together correctly;
• Visible bruising and discolouration around the jawline and face;
• Difficulty breathing, speaking, or opening the jaw all the way;
• Bleeding from the mouth, nose or both;
• Loos or missing teeth;
• Visible misalignment of the jaw;
• Numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, or teeth may indicate potential nerve involvement.

If you experience such symptoms after a facial injury, it is essential to seek immediate medical care to minimise complications and accelerate healing. Your doctor will give you a physical exam and order X-rays or a CT scan to determine the type and extent of the damage and decide on the best treatment. In case of significant trauma, you may also suffer a dislocated jaw if the lower jaw moves out of its socket.

Treatment and possible consequences of a jaw fracture

A broken jaw often requires immediate medical attention, and it is essential to try and hold it in place until you receive medical care. Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury and may include:

• Over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medications to manage pain during the recovery period;
• A liquid or soft diet to prevent strain on the jaw during chewing;
• Stabilising the jaw using wires, bands or other devices that keep it in place during healing;
• Surgical intervention to reposition and support the broken bones using metal plates and screws;
• Physical therapy to improve jaw mobility and reduce stiffness;
• In cases of misalignment or malocclusion, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to realign the teeth and restore a proper bite.

Recovery from a broken or dislocated jaw can take several months. In most cases, the jaw will fully heal without long-term effects. However, a broken jaw can lead to certain complications, such as:

•  Improper healing, causing the upper and lower teeth not to align correctly;
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders that cause ongoing pain and difficulty in moving the jaw;
• Temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lip, chin, or teeth;
• Changes to facial aesthetics, such as asymmetry;
• Chronic pain and difficulties chewing and speaking;
• A jaw fracture may also have a psychological impact, causing stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you receive compensation for a broken jaw, your award will take into account all the ways in which the injury has impacted your life, both physically, emotionally and financially.

Am I eligible to make a broken jaw compensation claim?

The simplest way to determine if you can start a fractured jaw claim is through a free consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor. They will ask you a few questions about your case to determine whether:

• Someone else owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duties by acting negligently
• You broke your jaw in an accident caused by their negligence

In most cases, proving a duty of care is pretty straightforward by referring to legislation such as the Road Traffic Act 1988 or the Occupiers Liability Act 1984. Once liability is established, your solicitor will help you gather the evidence you need to start a jaw injury claim. They will also handle all communication with the defendant and ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

What evidence will I need to make a claim for a fractured jaw?

With any personal injury claim, you will need proof of what happened, who was at fault and how your accident affected your life. The evidence you need to make a successful jaw injury compensation claim may include:

• Photos or a video at the scene of the accident which show what caused your injury before anything is moved or tampered with;
• If available, CCTV or any other video footage of the accident can significantly increase your chances of receiving compensation for a broken jaw;
• Pictures of your injury and your recovery process can prove the degree of pain and suffering you endured;
• Statements from witnesses who saw what happened are essential to support your claim, especially if the defendant denies liability;
• Medical evidence, such as doctor’s notes and X-rays, will show the type and extent of your injury, the treatments you received and your recovery prospects;
• If you were injured at work or in public, you should report the incident and ensure the responsible party registers it in the company’s report book. A signed copy of the entry will prove when and where you suffered a jaw fracture;
• Your notes about the accident, who you believe was at fault, and how it has affected your life;
• You also need evidence of all the financial losses you want to include in your broken jaw claim. It would be best if you kept all the receipts, medical bills, invoices and other documents related to your expenses.

Common accidents leading to a broken jaw claim

There are many reasons for seeking broken jaw injury compensation, and you may have a valid claim even if your accident is not listed here. As long as you were injured due to someone else’s fault, you could make a fractured jaw claim if you were involved in any of the following:

• Road traffic accident – A forceful impact during a car collision or accident involving a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcycle rider can lead to jaw fractures. These can be due to the deployment of airbags or hitting a hard surface such as the road or steering wheel.
• Accidents at work – Accidents involving machinery, falling objects, or other hazards can cause facial injuries at work. If your employer fails to provide a safe environment, they may be liable for broken jaw compensation.
• Slip, trip and fall accident – You may suffer a fractured jaw if you lose your balance and fall on your face due to a slip or trip. Such accidents are often due to slippery surfaces, uneven pavements, objects left in walkways or trailing cables.
• Criminal assault – Physical altercations that involve punches, kicks or blows to the face can result in a broken jaw claim. Claims of this nature are usually brought through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a governmental organisation that provides compensation to blameless victims of violent crimes.
• Sporting accident – High-impact sports or activities, such as football, boxing, or rugby, can lead to facial injuries, including broken jaws, due to collisions, falls or blows.

Can I claim if I suffered a broken jaw at work?

Employers have clear duties to take all reasonable measures to protect employees from workplace injuries. Their responsibilities are stated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and include:

• Carry out regular assessments to identify hazards that could cause jaw fractures;
• Take reasonable steps to reduce or eliminate such risks;
• Establish and maintain safe systems of work and work environment;
• Provide adequate training and information to employees to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely;
• Carry out regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and machinery to ensure they are safe for use;
• When necessary, offer adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and make sure they know how to use it;
• Have procedures in place for reporting accidents and near misses and take necessary steps to prevent them from happening again.

These are part of the duties your employer must achieve to protect your health and safety. If they have failed to do so and you suffered a broken jaw, you are entitled to make an accident at work claim. Taking legal action is your right and should not affect your work in any way. If you suffer negative consequences, such as dismissal or discrimination, you would likely be entitled to make a further claim under employment law.

Frequently asked questions

Please refer to the section below if you have further questions about making a broken jaw compensation claim. Alternatively, you can arrange a free consultation with an experienced solicitor via our online claim form or by calling 0800 470 0474.

Can I claim compensation on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered a broken or fractured jaw due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a compensation claim on their behalf. To be able to represent them, you must apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. Your solicitor will help you complete all the necessary documents and guide you through the claims process.

If you settle the claim for your child, you must go to an Infant Approval Hearing before a judge. They will examine the evidence to determine whether the awarded compensation is fair and covers the child’s needs. The money will typically be kept in a court bank account and released to the injured party on their 18th birthday. You could ask for early release of the funds if this is necessary to cover medical bills or other essential financial needs.

What is the time limit to start a claim for a broken jaw?

The time limit to make a jaw injury compensation claim is typically three years after the date of your accident. The limitation date is set out by the Limitation Act 1980. If you miss this deadline, your case will be statute-barred and no longer valid. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• With child accident claims, the three-year time limit begins on the child’s 18th birthday. A parent or legal guardian could make a jaw injury claim on their behalf at any time before that, regardless of when the accident occurred. Afterwards, the injured party will have until turning 21 to start a claim themselves.
• If the claimant cannot claim on their own due to a brain injury, PTSD or another condition, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend could claim for them anytime.
• If you were injured due to a physical assault, you have two years to claim fractured jaw compensation through the CICA.

How much compensation for a broken jaw could I receive?

The level of compensation you might get for a broken jaw will depend on several factors. These include the circumstances of your accident, whether you had any part of the blame, the type of jaw fracture you suffered and whether it has caused any long-term effects. The amount of broken jaw injury compensation will cover two types of damages:

• General damages are awarded for subjective losses, such as pain, suffering and loss of amenities. These are harder to calculate because they are not easily quantifiable and are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. You can use our compensation calculator to get an idea of how much your jaw injury could be worth.
• Special damages are awarded for financial losses incurred due to the injury, such as lost wages, care costs and private treatments. These are easier to calculate and are based on evidence, such as invoices, bank statements and payslips.

Can I claim broken jaw compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid compensation claim, your solicitor will provide you with a no win no fee* agreement. That means you do not have to pay anything upfront for their services. Your solicitor will only receive a success fee from your personal injury compensation if they win your case. This fee is capped at 25% of your award.

With no win no fee, you also have After the Event (ATE) insurance that will cover all your litigation costs if you lose. These include court and counsel fees, medical and police reports and travel expenses. This ensures you are never left out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful.

To find out if your case has merit and how much compensation for a broken jaw you could receive, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to speak to a friendly legal adviser.