When an Injury Causes Scarring and Disfigurement

Any accident that causes injury is serious, but some are so serious that they cause permanent scars or disfigurement. This can include physical injury like amputations or burns, but can also include psychological or emotional scarring—like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Damage from physical scars or disfigurement can be treated, or at least minimized, with things like plastic surgery, rehabilitation, or prosthetics. Emotional scars may need psychological counseling and could last months, years, or permanently.

Injuries with lasting damages

The effects of scarring and disfiguring injuries can last the rest of a person’s life, with the scar itself being a constant reminder of the accident. Scar tissue is also much less flexible than undamaged tissue and, depending on where the injury is is located, the injured area can be difficult to bend and move. Accident victims don’t just deal with physical pain, either. With catastrophic personal injuries that cause disfigurement and scarring, they may also deal with issues like depression or loss of self-esteem.

Just about any kind of accident can cause these kinds of injuries. Some of the more common types of scarring and disfigurement injuries include:

• Facial injuries. Cuts and lacerations to the face, often from car accidents, can cause disfigurement that may affect a victim’s self-esteem.
• Burns. Second-degree burns can cause light scars. However, third-degree and fourth-degree burns are more severe wounds, damaging nerves and muscle. These can require extensive surgery that leave extensive scarring.
• Amputation. A loss of limb is the most extreme form of disfigurement. Amputation is a surgical procedure usually performed to save a person’s life or prevent further damage to a body part. Many patients can use prosthetics to improve their quality of life after amputation.
• Dog bites. Dogs and other animals attack thousands of people each year, many of them children. These laceration and soft tissue injuries can leave serious scars behind.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD occurs when the trauma or shock of an event causes disabling stress after the incident. People with PTSD might relive their trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, suffer emotional and mood changes, become easily startled, or any number of symptoms.

Compensation for scarring and disfigurement

Healing and recovering from accidents that cause disfigurement or scarring can be long, difficult, and costly. On top of medical costs, a victim may be unable to work during recovery time and lose their paycheck. The accident may make it impossible for some to practice their trade anymore, affecting their earning ability. A person who loses a limb may not be able to go back to construction, for example, or a person with severe facial scars may not be able to go back to a modeling career.

When seeking compensation after an injury resulting in scarring or disfigurement, all of the above issues should be taken into consideration, including ongoing treatment, therapy, and the costs of any prosthetic or assistive devices. Compensation also includes determining losses for the inability to work or earn an income. Victims should also be eligible for pain and suffering and emotional trauma.

The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Taylor Ring can help you seek compensation if you suffered scars or disfigurement in an accident. Our team works with investigators and professionals to document your case and ensure we hold negligent parties accountable for your injuries. You deserve maximum compensation for everything you’ve been through. Talk to our lawyers today at 310.776.6390 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.