Personal Injury Claims for Tongue Injuries

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

A Guide to Compensation for a Tongue Injury

Tongue injuries can be extremely painful and if such an injury is a result of negligence by someone else, you may want to find out more on personal injury claims for tongue injuries.  From nerve damage affecting taste and speech to long-term complications that impact daily life, these injuries often warrant legal action if caused by negligence. Whether the harm occurred during a dental procedure, due to an accident, facial fracture, or another traumatic event, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.

If you have suffered from this injury through no fault of your own, you have three years in which to claim and it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer as early as possible to help you with your claim.

Jefferies Claims can help as we partner with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who can assess your case. They also offer an initial free, no obligation consultation.

What Is a Tongue Injury?

A tongue injury is any trauma affecting the tongue’s structure or its nerve function. This includes cuts, burns, bites, swelling, and nerve-related injuries which may alter taste, speech, and swallowing.

Common Types of Tongue Injuries

• Lacerations and deep cuts
• Thermal or chemical burns
• Severe bites due to accident or trauma
• Post-surgical injuries
• Lingual nerve damage
• Injuries caused by facial fractures

What Is Lingual Nerve Injury?

The lingual nerve is responsible for sensation and taste in the front two-thirds of the tongue and is a serious injury to the tongue. Damage to this nerve may be temporary or permanent, resulting in:

• Loss of taste
• Tingling or numbness
• Burning sensations
• Difficulty with speech or swallowing
• Impaired tongue mobility

Facial fractures are a significant cause of tongue and lingual nerve injuries. When the jaw or facial bones are fractured in an accident, such as a road collision, sports injury, or assault, the force of impact can cause the teeth to clamp down on the tongue, leading to deep lacerations or partial amputation.

In addition, fractures of the lower jaw (mandible) can compress or sever the lingual nerve, causing numbness, altered taste, or long-term nerve pain. Surgical treatment for facial fractures also carries additional risks of nerve damage and are often involved in personal injury claims. Lingual nerve injuries are also particularly common in cases involving dental negligence or maxillofacial trauma.

How Tongue Injuries Commonly Occur

Tongue and lingual nerve injuries occur in a variety of ways, many of which involve negligence or accidents where another party may be liable.

1. Dental Negligence

Dentists have a duty of care to avoid causing injury during procedures. However, nerve damage can occur if tools slip or excessive force is used during extractions, dental implant placement, or root canal treatments. Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common causes of lingual nerve injury claims.

2. Workplace Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls at work can lead to sudden jaw impact and severe tongue lacerations. In industries such as catering or manufacturing, employees may also suffer burns or cuts to the tongue due to hazardous equipment or chemicals. If the injury resulted from inadequate training or poor health and safety compliance, the employer could be held legally responsible.

3. Road Traffic Accidents

During a collision, the tongue can be severely injured if the jaw forcefully closes on impact. Airbags, while lifesaving, can cause sudden movement, leading to biting injuries. In high-impact crashes, tongue injuries are often accompanied by facial trauma.

4. Medical Negligence

Medical professionals may accidentally cause injuries through improper use of equipment, incorrect anaesthetic injections, or complications during surgery. If a medical practitioner fails to follow accepted standards, resulting in a tongue or nerve injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

5. Public Liability Accidents

Accidents in public spaces, for example restaurants, supermarkets, or leisure centres, may result in slips or falls that cause tongue injuries. In addition, consuming contaminated food may lead to chemical burns or allergic reactions affecting the tongue. If the organisation failed to meet safety regulations, you could be entitled to file a claim.

Am I Eligible to Claim Compensation for a Tongue Injury?

To make a successful personal injury claim, you must prove that:

• You were owed a duty of care
• That duty was breached due to negligence
• The breach directly caused your injury
• You suffered physical, emotional, or financial loss as a result

If your injury occurred through no fault of your own, you likely have a strong case for compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim?

Compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of nerve damage, and its long-term impact on your life.

General Damages

These cover pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Special Damages

These cover financial losses, including:

• Loss of income and future earning capacity
• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Travel expenses
• Care and support needs
• Psychological treatment

How to File a Personal Injury Claim for Tongue or Nerve Damage

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

A prompt medical or dental evaluation will not only treat your injury, but also provide essential evidence for your claim.

Step 2: Record the Incident

Gather as much evidence as possible which may include:

• Medical reports
• Dental records
• Accident reports
• Photographs of the injury
• Witness statements
• Receipts for expenses

Step 3: Speak to a Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor

We partner with experienced personal injury lawyers who also offer No Win, No Fee agreements, making the process risk-free.

Step 4: Undergo Medical Assessment

Your solicitor will arrange an independent medical evaluation to assess the severity and long-term impact of your injury.

Step 5: Negotiate a Settlement

Most claims are settled out of court. Your solicitor will negotiate compensation based on the evidence provided. If necessary, your case may go to court to secure a fair outcome.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

There are strict time limits when it comes to making a claim, so it’s advisable to get started as soon as possible:

• 3 years from the date of injury – or from when you first became aware of the negligence.
• For children, the 3-year period begins on their 18th birthday.
• For those lacking mental capacity, there may be no time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim if my tongue injury was caused during dental surgery?
Yes. If the injury was caused by dental negligence, you may have a valid claim.

What if the injury was due to a facial fracture from an accident?
You can still claim if another party was responsible, such as a negligent driver, employer, or property owner.

Will I need to attend court?
Most cases settle outside of court. Your solicitor will guide you every step of the way.

Start Your Tongue Injury Claim Today

If you have suffered a tongue or lingual nerve injury due to an accident, dental negligence, facial fracture, or any other incident caused by someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to compensation. A successful claim can help you access medical treatment, recover financial losses, and rebuild your life.

Don’t delay – the sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your claim will be.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation.