How high is the compensation for pain and suffering? | Zygomatic fracture

How high is the compensation for pain and suffering?

If a zygomatic bone fracture occurs as a result of an accident for which the person is not responsible or as a result of a violent impact, for example in a brawl, the person affected may under certain circumstances receive compensation for pain and suffering. However, it is not possible to say how high this can be, but depends on various circumstances, such as the type and severity of the injury and the duration of treatment. Whether and how much compensation for pain and suffering has to be paid is either decided by a court or an agreement can be reached with the other party or perpetrator.

For this purpose, it is recommended that a lawyer be engaged. In case of an intentional injury, damages for pain and suffering of about 1000 to 3000 Euro are possible. The amount of a possible compensation for pain and suffering is however always individually determined.

If a zygomatic bone fracture occurs in the context of a sports injury (footballers or boxers are particularly at risk), compensation for pain and suffering cannot usually be claimed. An exception is made if the person who caused the injury has committed a serious breach of the rules. The diagnosis of a zygomatic bone fracture is usually made in several steps.

In particular, the questioning of the patient regarding the exact mechanism of the accident and a detailed doctor-patient discussion (anamnesis) play a decisive role in the diagnosis. This is followed by a physical examination. In this context, the face of the affected person is first inspected in detail.

The doctor pays particular attention to swellings, bruises and asymmetries in the area of the face. Then the zygomatic arch and the edges of the eye socket are scanned. During this part of the physical examination, possible step formations or dislocations of the bone fragments can be palpated.

In the further course of the diagnosis of zygomatic fracture, a radiographic examination of the skull in several planes is initiated. If a concussion is suspected or the results of the X-ray examination are unclear, an additional computed tomography (CT) may have to be performed. In addition, an ophthalmological examination usually follows in the case of a zygomatic fracture.

Depending on the severity of the zygomatic fracture and accompanying injuries, further examinations may be necessary. To detect a zygomatic fracture, it is important to examine the patient’s face closely during the physical examination. During the inspection it is noticeable that the affected half of the face is heavily swollen.

Bruises often manifest themselves in the area of the upper cheek, often accompanied by hematomas on the eyes. A hematoma around the eye of the affected side (monocular hematoma) is typical for the unilateral zygomatic break. Most patients also suffer from severe nosebleeds and bleeding into the maxillary sinus.

Often, differences in the symmetry of the two halves of the face are visually noticeable. A flattened cheek is also typical for a zygomatic break. It is the result of a change in position of fragments of the bone.When palpating the bony structures of the face, it is typical to feel a step at the edge of the eye socket or at the level of the zygomatic arch.

If a zygomatic fracture is suspected, it is important to request an x-ray in order to determine the extent of the injury and its effects on surrounding structures. Patients often report that their vision has deteriorated. Typical symptoms are limited mobility of the eyeball (bulbus), blurred vision and double vision (diplopia). For this reason, an ophthalmological examination is always indicated if a zygomatic arch fracture is suspected. In addition, many patients complain of a disturbance of sensation in the cheek, as the nerve that supplies the cheek and parts of the upper jaw is often damaged by the high force applied.