If you have been involved in an accident and sustained injury to your nose, then you might be entitled to compensation.

A nose fracture or any injury to the nose is often caused as a result of a blunt blow to the nose. In many cases there will be other facial injuries as well. Those involved in contact sports such as rugby are more prone to these sorts of injuries and once broken, the nose becomes more susceptible to further breaks in the future.

Symptoms and treatment.

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Pain in the nose and or cheeks
• Difficulty breathing
• Bruising to the nose and possibly around the eyes
• Once the swelling goes down, deformity to the nose.

A visit to a hospital may include having x rays and possibly scans. The swelling may be reduced with ice. In the more severe cases, there may have to be surgery to reset the bones but generally once reset and held in place with tape, there is unlikely to be major surgery in the vast majority of cases.

How can injuries to the nose occur?

• As mentioned above, nose injuries caused in sporting accidents are widespread. Every player owes a duty of care to their colleagues and if you receive injury as a result of an unlawful or violent tackle, you may be able to claim.
• Many nose fractures are caused in fights and as long as you are the innocent party and the matter is reported to the police, you can make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
• Road traffic accidents are another common cause of injury. Many nose fractures or damage are caused by contact with airbags or loose objects in the car.
• Falling, slipping and tripping, either on the pavement or road or at work or even on a visit to the shops. The nose is very vulnerable to incidents involving a straight fall onto the face.

What sort of compensation can you expect?

It depends on the extent of the injury, whether other injuries have also been caused and your own individual circumstances. The following are only estimates.

• Serious or multiple fractures with operations and some permanent damage to the airways
  can attract up to £14750
• Where there has been full recovery after surgery £2500-£3250
• Displacement involving manipulation £1600-£2000
• Simple undisplaced fracture with full recovery £1100-1600

There may also be claims for incidental expenses like loss of earnings and pain medication.

If you have been involved in an accident receiving injury to your nose and wish to explore whether you might be entitled to compensation then you should seek specialist legal advice.