Facial Nerve Injuries & Medical Malpractice – What You Need To Know
At Lupetin & Unatin, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice lawyers based are dedicated to helping individuals and families who have suffered due to preventable medical errors. One serious type of injury we have seen is facial nerve damage. When medical providers fail to take proper precautions during treatment or surgery, the results can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has suffered a facial nerve injury due to medical negligence, our experienced team is here to help.
A facial nerve injury refers to damage to the seventh cranial nerve, commonly known as the facial nerve. This nerve controls most of the muscles in the face and is responsible for expressions like smiling, blinking, and frowning. It also plays a role in speech, chewing, and tear and saliva production.
When the facial nerve is injured, it can lead to partial or full paralysis, facial droop, involuntary muscle movements, or loss of taste on part of the tongue. The severity of the injury depends on how and where the nerve is damaged.
How Does The Facial Nerve Get Damaged?
Facial nerve injuries can happen due to trauma, infections, or certain medical conditions—but in the context of medical malpractice, they often occur because of:
- Surgical errors: Facial nerve injuries often happen during surgeries involving the head, neck, or ear. Common procedures that pose a risk include parotid gland surgery, removal of head or neck tumors, ear surgeries, and facial trauma repair. If a surgeon fails to identify and protect the facial nerve during the procedure, the result can be devastating.
- Improper use of instruments: During dental or cosmetic procedures, improper use of tools like drills or retractors can damage the facial nerve.
- Incorrect diagnosis or delayed treatment: Conditions like Bell’s palsy or certain infections can affect the facial nerve. If doctors fail to diagnose or treat these issues in a timely manner, the damage can become permanent.
- Birth injuries: In newborns, facial nerve injuries can occur during delivery, especially if forceps are used incorrectly or excessive pressure is applied to the baby’s head.
How Common Is Facial Nerve Injury?
Facial nerve injuries are relatively rare in the general population, with an estimated 15 to 40 cases per 100,000 people annually. However, the risk rises significantly during certain types of surgery. For example:
- Up to 60% of patients undergoing parotid gland surgery experience temporary facial weakness
- 1% to 7% may suffer permanent damage, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience
When Is a Facial Nerve Injury Considered to Be Caused by Medical Malpractice?
A facial nerve injury may be considered medical malpractice if:
- The injury occurred because a surgeon failed to identify or protect the nerve during a procedure
- Proper surgical planning or imaging was not performed
- An error occurred during anesthesia administration or intubation
- There was a failure to recognize and promptly treat symptoms of nerve injury after a procedure
To prove malpractice, it must be shown that the provider did not meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure directly caused the injury.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Facial Nerve Injury?
Long-term effects vary but may include:
- Permanent facial paralysis or asymmetry
- Difficulty speaking or eating
- Eye damage from an inability to blink or close the eyelid
- Chronic pain or twitching
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression due to changes in appearance and communication
These effects can impact both daily life and emotional well-being, sometimes requiring ongoing therapy or surgery.
Can the Facial Nerve Heal or Be Repaired Once Damaged?
The facial nerve has the ability to regenerate, but recovery depends on the type and extent of the injury:
- Minor injuries (such as stretching or bruising) may recover fully over weeks to months
- Severed nerves or those with more severe trauma may require microsurgery, nerve grafts, or muscle transfers
- Even with surgery, full function may not return, and some symptoms may persist permanently
Early diagnosis and treatment give patients the best chance at recovery.
Examples of Medical Malpractice Cases Involving Facial Nerve Injury
Several facial nerve injury cases across the U.S. have resulted in successful verdicts or settlements for patients:
- In New York, a woman received a $2.1 million jury verdict after suffering permanent facial nerve damage during parotid gland surgery. The surgeon failed to properly identify the nerve, leading to irreversible facial paralysis.
- In Illinois, a family was awarded $1.5 million after their newborn suffered facial nerve damage due to improper use of forceps during delivery. The jury found the delivering physician negligent for using excessive force.
- In California, a patient received $850,000 in a settlement after a dentist caused facial nerve damage during a wisdom tooth extraction. The injury left the patient with permanent numbness and partial paralysis.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice?
If you or someone you love has suffered a facial nerve injury and you believe it may have been caused by medical negligence, here’s what you should do:
- Seek immediate medical care to document the injury and begin treatment.
- Request a full copy of your medical records from the hospital or provider involved.
- Write down everything you remember, including names of medical staff, dates, and what was said to you before and after the procedure.
- Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney—the sooner, the better. These cases are time-sensitive, and an early investigation is critical to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
We Can Help
At Lupetin & Unatin, our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys understand how devastating a facial nerve injury can be. Whether the damage was caused by a surgical mistake, a misdiagnosis, or another form of medical negligence, our goal is to hold healthcare providers accountable and help our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you love has suffered a facial nerve injury and you suspect medical malpractice may be to blame, we encourage you to contact our firm for a free case evaluation. We’ll listen to your story, review your case, and guide you every step of the way.