Our client, a 14-year-old girl, was a front-seat passenger traveling with her mother and younger brother when their vehicle was involved in a high-speed head-on collision in Issaquah, Washington. The defendant suddenly made an improper left turn directly into their path, leaving no time to avoid impact. The collision was severe, airbags deployed, and our client was struck in the face by the airbag. She was immediately transported by ambulance to Swedish Medical Center.
At the hospital, she was treated in the critical care unit and reported intense facial pain, swelling, vision issues, and difficulty opening her eyes. Medical evaluation revealed a nasal bone fracture along with significant swelling and bruising around her eyes and nose. CT scans and lab work were performed, and she received IV pain medication. After several hours of treatment, she was discharged with instructions to follow up with specialists.
The following day, she was examined by an ENT specialist who confirmed severe facial trauma, including swelling, nasal deformity, and breathing difficulties. Due to ongoing pain and complications, she returned to the emergency room multiple times. Over time, her condition revealed structural changes to her nose, including flattening and displacement of the nasal bones. Ultimately, she underwent a closed nasal bone reduction surgery under general anesthesia.
In addition to her facial injuries, she suffered serious eye trauma. She experienced vision loss, light sensitivity, and imbalance. Medical evaluations confirmed permanent changes to her left pupil, including anisocoria and partial paralysis, meaning her pupil would never fully respond to light again. She was prescribed glasses and advised to continue long-term monitoring.
As time passed, she continued to experience both physical and emotional challenges. A plastic surgeon later confirmed the development of a dorsal hump on her nose and recommended future cosmetic rhinoplasty once her bones fully mature. Despite treatment, her appearance and vision issues remain ongoing concerns.
The impact of this accident extended far beyond physical injuries. She endured months of pain and recovery, missed significant time from school, and faced emotional distress. Upon returning to school, she struggled with self-consciousness due to facial disfigurement, experienced a decline in academic performance, and became socially withdrawn. Her involvement in volleyball was cut short, affecting her chances of receiving college recruitment opportunities.
Now eighteen years old, she continues to live with the long-term effects of the accident. She remains self-conscious about her appearance, avoids social situations, and experiences anxiety related to driving. Her left pupil remains permanently dilated, and she faces uncertainty regarding future corrective procedures.
After several weeks of intensive negotiations, attorney Chuck Martin secured a substantial mid-six figure settlement on her behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact attorney Chuck Martin of MartinLaw PLLC for a free case evaluation. With over 40 years of experience, he will guide you through the process, handle the insurance companies, and work to obtain the best possible result in the shortest time. Call 206-360-8141 today.