Can I Recover Compensation for Scarring or Disfigurement?

Injuries often result in immediate physical damage, but the lasting impact of traumatic injuries, particularly the permanent scarring and disfigurement they leave, is frequently overlooked. These imperfections serve as constant reminders of the trauma and contribute to your emotional distress. If you have suffered permanent scarring or disfigurement due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters and the importance of connecting with an experienced Morris County Personal Injury Attorney to fight for the justice you deserve. 

What’s the Difference Between Scarring and Disfigurement?

While often used interchangeably, “scarring” and “disfigurement” carry distinct legal and medical implications, particularly when it comes to personal injury cases. Understanding these differences is crucial for an accurate assessment of damages.

When the body heals after a wound, injury, or surgery, a visible mark called a scar is often left on the skin. This scar is a natural part of the healing process, formed when fibrous tissue replaces the normal skin. Scars can look very different, from thin, subtle lines to thick, raised, or discolored areas.

Disfigurement denotes a lasting, noticeable alteration to one’s appearance that is unsightly or grotesque, thereby detracting from their normal look. This concept is broader than mere scarring, as it signifies a substantial change that profoundly affects an individual’s social and psychological state.

Can I Get Compensation for Scarring or Disfigurement?

Generally, non-economic and economic damages are available for scarring and disfigurement victims. Economic damages reflect quantifiable financial losses resulting from an injury, such as medical expenses, the loss of income, and future loss of income. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, represent intangible losses that are harder to quantify, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. To determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to for your losses, several factors will be considered, including:

• The age of the injured party (younger victims may receive higher compensation)
• The location of the scar or disfigurement
• The color, size, and visibility
• The impact on daily life and activities
• The impact on employment
• The psychological and emotional impact
• If the scar or disfigurement is permanent
• If the disfigurement results in a loss of function or mobility

You should note that compensation for scarring and disfigurement aims to address not only the physical impact of the injury but also its emotional, social, and economic consequences. Disfigurement usually warrants higher compensation due ot its significance and enduring impact on quality of life.

If you have suffered a scar or disfigurement due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined attorney from Lutz Injury Law, who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for more information.