Jaw Injury & TMJ

Jaw injuries are often overlooked by medical professionals assisting accident victims. What may start as a headache or neck pain can lead to ringing in the ears, joint noises, and pain. If left untreated, the jaw may even spasm and lock open, leaving the victim in terrible pain. If you have suffered a jaw injury or jaw disorder like TMJ, it may be traced back to a recent accident. Whiplash may cause the structures that hold your jaw in place to be strained and damaged to the extent that it causes a problem.

Talk to an experienced jaw & TMJ attorney at The Walker Law Group about your situation. Our team of experienced lawyers and staff may be able to help you take action. Call us at 727-865-5724 or schedule online now to set up a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney.

Compensation for TMJ and Jaw Pain Claims

If you've been dealing with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction or jaw pain after an injury, you could be entitled to compensation for several types of damages. Here's what you might be able to claim:

• Medical Expenses: This covers everything from your initial diagnosis and treatment to any ongoing therapies or surgeries you need to get better.
• Lost Wages: If your jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction keeps you from working, you may be able to claim compensation for the wages you lose during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional stress, and changes in your quality of life are things that can be compensated for as well.
• Future Damages: If your jaw pain or TMJ causes lasting issues, you could get compensation for future medical treatments or lost income.

Legal Basis for TMJ and Jaw Pain Claims

To make a successful TMJ or jaw pain claim, you need to prove that someone else’s negligence led directly to your injury. Here's how to break it down:

1. Duty of Care

The first thing you need to show is that the responsible party owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws, and healthcare professionals must follow a standard of care during treatments. In your case, demonstrating that the defendant had an obligation to prevent harm is critical to your claim.

2. Breach of Duty

After proving a duty of care, you need to show that the defendant didn’t meet that duty. A breach happens when someone fails to act in a reasonable manner. So, if a dentist causes jaw problems due to an improper procedure, or if an accident causes trauma to your jaw, they may have breached their duty. You’ll need to gather evidence that connects the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) directly to your injury.

3. Causation

Next, prove that the defendant’s actions (or inactions) caused your TMJ or jaw pain. For example, showing that a car accident or a faulty medical procedure led to whiplash related to jaw pain will help establish this connection. Medical experts can provide testimony to strengthen your case. The more doctors you’ve seen for your conditions (and with a good paper trail), the better chance you have for experienced testimony on your claim.

4. Damages

Finally, show that the injury caused actual damages—like physical pain, medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress. Without damages, there’s no claim, as the court won’t provide compensation unless significant harm can be demonstrated. To help build a solid case, make sure to carefully document all your medical treatments, expenses, and lost income. The more thorough you are, the better your chances are of getting the compensation you need to move forward.

Lasting Damages of TMJ and Jaw Pain

Chronic Pain

TMJ disorders often come with long-lasting, constant pain in the jaw, face, and neck. This can be intense and might interfere with eating, talking, or even sleeping. If it doesn’t improve, it could seriously affect your daily life.

Trouble Eating and Speaking

TMJ can restrict your jaw's movement, making chewing and speaking difficult. This can have a big impact on your ability to carry out everyday activities, and in severe cases, you may need surgery to fix it.

Physical Limitations

In some cases, TMJ causes issues like jaw misalignment, clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, and even tooth damage. These problems may stick around long-term and require ongoing treatment. They can affect how you function in your day-to-day life, whether that’s at work or with social activities.

Emotional Impact

Living with constant jaw pain can take a toll on your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and even personality changes are common in people dealing with long-term pain. The emotional strain can make it harder to cope, especially if the pain affects your ability to enjoy food, talk, or socialize. Therapy may be a necessary part of your recovery to address the emotional aspects of living with TMJ.

Work and Quality of Life

Severe TMJ or jaw pain can make it hard to work or enjoy your usual activities. You might struggle to perform basic tasks, like talking to clients or eating at lunch. This could lead to lost income and a reduced quality of life. Personal relationships might also be impacted if your pain and frustration affect how you interact with others.

What to Expect When You Work with Us

We bring personal injury lawsuits against negligent actors who cause a broad spectrum of accidents, such as auto accidents, semi-truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

The outcome of a personal injury case depends on the way case law is applied to the facts. That's why it is important to talk with a lawyer about the facts of your case before taking action after a jaw injury. Our consultations are free and confidential, so there is nothing to lose. With experience in serious injuries like brain, back, and paralysis-related complications, we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Call us at 727-865-5724 or schedule online now to set up a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney.