Craniofacial Surgery Expert Witnesses
The right medical expert for cases involving surgical malpractice
Craniofacial surgery is a surgical subspecialty of maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, and ENT that deals with congenital and acquired deformities of the skull, face, and jaws. Craniofacial surgeons deal with bone, skin, muscle, teeth, and other tissues of the face, but not the brain or eye.
After completing medical school, craniofacial surgeons must complete residency programs in either plastic surgery or maxillofacial surgery, followed by a two- to three-year fellowship in craniofacial surgery. Craniofacial surgeons can be Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, or both.
Craniofacial surgeons treat a wide variety of defects, including craniosynostosis (isolated and syndromic), rare craniofacial clefts, acute and chronic sequellae of facial fractures, cleft lip and palate, micrognathia, Treacher Collins Syndrome, Apert’s Syndrome, Crouzon’s Syndrome, hemifacial microsomia and many others.
Craniofacial surgery malpractice case matter
As with any type of surgery, surgical errors committed by craniofacial surgeons can have significant effects on the patient, including disfigurement. Some effects that can be caused by malpractice include:
- Infections
- Damage to nerves, tissues, and skin
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia or medication
- Scarring
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Disfigurement
An experienced, Board-Certified craniofacial surgeon can review medical records, determine whether appropriate standards of care were followed, and establish or refute negligence on the surgeon’s part.
The role of a craniofacial surgeon in injury cases
Many types of accidents can cause facial injuries, including car accidents in which a victim’s face may hit the steering wheel, as well as slip and falls, dog bites, and work injuries. In these situations, a craniofacial surgeon can use their knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to opine on the cause of the injury (e.g., blunt force trauma) as well as the nature and extent of the injury.
A craniofacial surgeon can also offer their expert opinion on the long-term prognosis of a facial injury and the likely effects on a plaintiff’s health, appearance, and quality of life. Because facial injuries can have significant effects on a plaintiff’s self-esteem, career opportunities, and so on, this can be a large component in calculating appropriate compensation.
Find the craniofacial surgery expert you need
Cases involving facial injuries often have high stakes, especially when the plaintiff is disfigured. The right expert witness can make a dramatic difference in the outcome. If you are dealing with a legal matter involving craniofacial surgery malpractice or a facial injury, contact us for a free case summary review.