Facial fractures claims
Facial fracture claims in Ireland refer to legal cases where individuals seek compensation for injuries involving fractures to the bones in the face. These fractures can occur in various areas, such as the frontal facial bones, facial bones as a whole, nose or nasal complex, cheekbones, and jaws. The severity of the fracture and its resulting consequences, such as permanent damage, deformity, breathing difficulties, nerve damage, or eating restrictions, can affect the compensation awarded. These claims aim to provide financial restitution for the physical and emotional impact caused by facial fractures, helping individuals recover and restore their quality of life.
Compensation amount
1. Lefort fractures of frontal facial bones
Compensation range: €50,000-€80,000
2. Multiple fractures of facial bones
Involving some permanent facial deformity. Compensation range: €25,000-€50,000
3. Fractures of the nose or nasal complex
- Serious or multiple fractures requiring operations and resulting in permanent damage: Includes airway difficulties, breathing problems, nerve or tear duct damage, or facial deformity. Compensation range: €25,000-€50,000
- Displaced fracture requiring surgery and complete recovery: Dependent on symptoms such as breathing difficulties. Compensation range: €10,000-€25,000
- Displaced fracture requiring manipulation and full recovery in less than six months: Award should be towards the lower end of the bracket. Compensation range: €3,000-€5,000
- Simple undisplaced fracture with full recovery: Compensation range: €500-€3,000
4. Fractures of cheekbones
- Serious fractures requiring surgery and resulting in lasting Consequences. Includes cheek or lip paraesthesia or some degree of disfigurement. Compensation range: €25,000-€50,000
- Simple fracture requiring reconstructive surgery with complete recovery and minimal cosmetic effects. Compensation range: €10,000-€25,000
- Simple fracture of cheekbone requiring no surgery and achieving complete recovery. Compensation range: €500-€6,000
5. Fractures of jaws
- Very serious multiple fractures with prolonged treatment and permanent consequences. Includes severe pain, eating restrictions, paraesthesia, and the risk of arthritis in the joints. Compensation range: €50,000-€80,000
- Serious fracture with permanent consequences. This includes difficulties in mouth opening or eating or paraesthesia in the jaw area. Compensation range: €30,000-€60,000
- Simple fracture requiring immobilisation with complete recovery. Compensation range: €3,000-€12,000
Some potential causes
Please note that these figures are provided as guidelines, and each case is treated uniquely by the court.
- Road traffic accidents: Collisions, crashes, or accidents involving vehicles can cause severe facial skeletal injuries, including fractures to the facial bones. Read More
- Falls: Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights or on hard surfaces, can result in facial skeletal injuries, such as fractures to the cheekbones, nose, or jaw. Read More
- Workplace accidents: In industrial settings, construction sites, or other workplaces, incidents like falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to facial skeletal injuries. Read More
- Assaults: Physical assaults or violent attacks can result in facial skeletal fractures, particularly if the face is targeted or subject to forceful blows.
- Sporting accidents: High-impact sports or contact sports can contribute to facial skeletal injuries, especially if proper protective gear is not worn. Read More
The claim process
1. Contact our facial fracture claim solicitor
Our team of experienced solicitors in Ireland is here to assist you with your claim. We understand that facial fracture claims can be complex, and our solicitors will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
2. The PIAB Application
The first step in making a facial fracture claim in Ireland is to make an application to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). PIAB handles claims related to workplace injuries, road traffic accidents, serious injuries, and accidents in public places.
3. Submitting information and documents to PIAB
Your solicitor will gather all the necessary evidence, including medical reports and expert reports, and submit them to PIAB on your behalf.
4. Consent to assess the claim
Once the application is submitted, PIAB will send a formal notification of the claim to the defendant(s). The defendant(s) have 90 days to indicate whether or not they consent to the assessment of the claim. If the defendant consents, PIAB will proceed with the assessment. If they decline, an Authorisation will be granted to allow the claimant to bring court proceedings.
5. Claim assessment time
If PIAB is assessing the claim, it usually takes around 9 months for them to issue their assessment. This assessment reflects the general and special damages awarded in respect of your claim. If both parties accept the assessment, PIAB will issue an Order to Pay, which must be discharged by the defendant(s) within 10 days. A settlement cheque will then be issued to the claimant. If either party rejects the assessment, an Authorisation will be granted by PIAB to bring court proceedings. Our expert solicitors will then work with you to ensure that your case is heard in court and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of the accident within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules apply, and we would recommend you contact our solicitors to discuss these. Learn more about the statute of limitations.