Broken Nose Injury & Loss of Smell Compensation Claims

Anatomy of the Nose

The nose is the central and most prominent feature of the face. As well as being important aesthetically, the nose is made up of several tissues and structures, all of which enable it to carry out its role as a key organ in the body's respiratory (breathing) and olfactory (smelling) systems.

Situated at the top of the nose and forming its basic structure is a hard piece of bone. This part of the nose is known as the bridge. Attached to the nose and moving downwards towards the nostrils are the lateral walls. These outer walls are made of cartilage, another hard substance, and are covered in skin. Inside the tip of the nose, the cartilage is split by the septum, which is made of bone and cartilage. On either side of the septum sit the nostrils or nares. These openings allow the nose to take in oxygen. After entering the nostrils, the air travels to the lungs, where it is processed to enable us to breathe.

As well as acting as a route for air to reach the lungs, the nose also provides our sense of smell. Before reaching the lungs, the air that passes through the nose is processed by the numerous cells that line the inside of the nose. These nerve cells respond to the particles in the air and communicate with the brain to produce a sense of smell.

The nose is also involved in the tasting process, with our senses of smell and taste being inherently linked to one another. If a part of your nose is damaged in an accident, you'll likely experience difficulty breathing, smelling or tasting.

Thankfully, most injuries to the nose's structures heal quickly, but some can have long-term ramifications. However your nose has been damaged, we're here for you; contact us now to discuss your case and find out how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Types of Nose Injuries

Depending on the type of accident you've been involved in, you could sustain one of many types of nose injuries. Below we list some of the most common nose injuries, but the list is not exhaustive. To find out more about the types of nose injuries we've dealt with, and to hear how we can help you claim for yours, contact us today.

Breaks and Fractures

Accidents involving the nose often cause fractures or breaks in the delicate bones that comprise the nose's essential structure. A broken nose can be an extremely painful injury, with symptoms usually including pain, swelling and redness. Sometimes, fractures sustained to the nose can cause widespread bruising across the face, particularly under the eyes. In many cases, breaks can disrupt the victim's ability to breathe, causing potentially serious issues. Most breaks heal quickly, but some can take time to get better. For some people, surgery or other medical interventions are required to heal the fracture properly.

Displaced Nose Fracture

A displaced nose fracture is a type of nasal fracture that occurs when two or more parts of the nose bone are broken. The multiple break cause the nose to lose its structural integrity, and the bones migrate or displace away from their usual position. As a result, the nose is no longer aligned, and the fracture is considered to be more complex than a typical nose fracture. Often, surgery is required to put the bones back into their proper places.

Loss of smell or taste

The nose plays a key role in the body's olfactory (smelling) and tasting systems. If the nose is damaged in an injury, the cells that allow the nose to communicate messages concerning tastes and smells can die. When too many cells are lost, the nose struggles to communicate information to the brain, resulting in a reduced sense of smell and/or taste.

Many people who lose their sense of smell and taste because of a nose injury report feeling of psychological trauma, such as sadness and depression. Our ability to taste allows us to enjoy food, with eating out being a key social activity for many people.

Problems smelling and tasting food can cause people to withdraw from social events and lose enjoyment cooking, eating or drinking.

Psychological Suffering

The nose is a prominent part of the face and injuries that are sustained to it can cause intense psychological trauma. Victims of nose injuries may worry that their injury is unsightly, or that their nose has changed in a way that they no longer like. Many people who experience nasal injuries report a reduced sense of confidence or self-esteem. One reason for this is that fractures and breaks often leave residual bends and bumps in the nose that can persist forever without surgery to repair them.

Stress and anxiety may also occur if the victim has been left with breathing problems because of the injury; having to breathe through the mouth can cause people to experience additional unpleasant symptoms, such as dry mouth and heavy breathing, and can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem.

Causes of Nose Injuries

There are many potential causes of nose injuries. The list below contains some of the most common causes of nose injuries, but there are many other ways in which someone could injure their nose. If you feel you've suffered a nose injury because of an accident that wasn't your fault, contact us today to discuss your injury and learn how we can help you to claim the compensation you deserve.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are a common cause of nasal injuries. If you slip, trip or fall in a public or maintained area, you may be able to claim compensation if it can be shown that someone should have mitigated the risk of your accident happening. For example, if you break your nose after tripping over a raised pavement, it may be possible to claim compensation from the council.

Road Traffic Accidents

Nasal injuries are a common consequence of road traffic accidents. For drivers and passengers, the deployment of the airbag in the event of a crash can cause considerable damage to the nose. Alternatively, the nose may break if the face hits the steering wheel. If the crash was caused by someone else, you may be able to make a claim. Cyclists and pedestrians are also susceptible to nose injuries. Over the years, our team of personal injury solicitors have represented many clients who have been involved in road traffic accidents. If you've injured your nose or any other part of your body in a road traffic accident that was someone else's fault, call us now.

Workplace Accidents

In the UK, employers have a duty of care to their staff. They must ensure that their employees are kept as safe as possible by identifying and mitigating any risks that may occur in the workplace. They must also provide regular and up-to-date health and safety training so that staff members know how to keep themselves safe.

If your nose has been injured in an accident at work, perhaps because of a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, contact us today.

In some cases, inhaling harmful chemicals in the workplace can cause damage to the cells and other structures that exist within the nose. If you have suffered a nose injury at work, contact us today to find out how we can help you begin your claim. We understand that making a claim against an employer, particularly one you still work for, is often incredibly daunting, but we'll use our professionalism and expertise to make the process as smooth as possible.

However your injury has occurred, if you feel it was caused because of the negligence of someone else, you may be able to claim. Contact the team at PSR solicitors today to find out if you’re able to make a claim.