When you think about injuries caused by car accidents, falls, and dog bites, you may think of head trauma, back and neck injuries, and broken bones. Disfigurement and scarring may not come to mind, but these injuries are something to consider.
If you suffer deep lacerations, you will require medical treatment to close the wound. As this wound heals, it may look different from the surrounding skin. It may have a different color or texture. This can make a scar look unsightly. Depending on where it is located, it may affect your self-esteem. If you have a career that focuses on looks, such as acting or modeling, the scar could even affect your livelihood.
If you suffered scarring or disfigurement from an accident that someone else caused, you may be entitled to compensation. Physical and emotional injuries may be covered as well. Contact a
scarring and disfigurement attorney from Poltielov Law Firm P.C to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
What Causes Scarring and Disfigurement?
Scarring and disfigurement can be caused by many type of accidents such as:
- Car accidents
- Dog and animal attacks
- Vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Slips and falls
- Construction accidents
- Burns
- Explosions
- Deep lacerations
- Medical malpractice
- Surgical procedures
- Defective products
Is a Scar Considered Disfigurement?
Scars are considered disfigurement to some degree. Your disfigurement injury lawyer will assess your case and take into consideration the following:
- Whether or not the scar requires reconstructive surgery
- If the scar tissue could result in limited mobility
- The location of the scar. For example, scars on the face tend to have a greater impact on the victim.
- The impact of scarring or disfigurement on your occupation and livelihood
Can I Get Compensation for a Scar?
If you experience permanent scarring or disfigurement due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for damages. You could be entitled to the following:
- Medical expenses. These costs may include expenses from doctors who treat the underlying injuries, plastic surgeons who perform reconstructive surgery, and psychologists who help the victim manage their emotional scars.
- Compensation for pain and suffering, such as harassment from others and physical discomfort from the scarring or disfigurement
- Lost wages from not being able to work due to surgeries and other medical treatments
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on various factors, such as the location of the body part that is scarred or disfigured, the extent of the injury (how deep or severe it is), and the victim’s quality of life. A significant change in the quality of life would result in a higher amount of compensation.
Contact Us Today
Scarring and disfigurement may not seem like compensable injuries, but these types of injuries are permanent and can affect a person’s self-esteem and other aspects of their lives.
Get the compensation you deserve from the team at Poltielov Law Firm P.C. Our disfigurement injury lawyers from Forest Hills, New York are dedicated to our clients’ cases and will work hard to obtain a favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation today by calling (718) 880-2911, or contact us online.