Car accidents can cause permanent scarring due to broken glass or metal lacerations, burns from fires or hot surfaces, and abrasions from impact with hard surfaces. Permanent scarring refers to any lasting disfigurement or marks on the skin that are unlikely to heal fully over time. Medical professionals typically assess the severity and permanence of scars based on depth, size, location, and the individual’s overall health condition.
These injuries often result in deep tissue damage, disrupting the skin’s natural healing process and leaving lasting marks that may require surgical intervention to minimize or repair. If this has happened to you, you are likely wondering what type of compensation you collect.
You may be eligible to seek compensation for permanent scarring resulting from a car accident. In personal injury cases, compensation is often awarded for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Permanent scarring falls under the category of non-economic damages, which aim to compensate claimants for the injury’s physical, emotional, and financial toll.
How Is Compensation Determined for Permanent Scarring?
The amount of compensation for permanent scarring varies depending on factors, such as:
- Severity of the scarring: More severe and visible scars may result in higher compensation.
- Location of the scars: Scars on visible areas of the body, such as the face or neck, may be valued higher than those in less visible areas.
- Psychological impact: The emotional distress caused by the scarring can also influence the compensation awarded.
- Medical expenses: Compensation may include reimbursement for past and future medical treatments related to the scarring.
What Evidence Is Needed to Support My Claim?
Collecting thorough documentation can help you build a compelling case. To support your claim for compensation, you will need to provide detailed evidence, including:
- Medical records documenting the extent of your injuries and the resulting scarring.
- Photographs of the scars taken shortly after the accident and throughout the healing process.
- Testimony from medical experts regarding the scarring’s permanence, impact, and prognosis on your life.
- Statements from friends, family, or coworkers detailing the emotional distress caused by the scarring and its effects on your daily life and activities.
What if the Scarring Affects My Ability to Work?
If the scarring from a car accident affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and related expenses. Your attorney can help calculate the financial impact of the scarring on your future earning potential, ensuring you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Permanent scarring resulting from a car accident can have a significant impact on your life, both physically and emotionally. Seeking compensation for these scars is about covering medical expenses and acknowledging the pain and suffering they cause. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process and pursue damages on your behalf.
Our Chester County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Can Fight to Get the Compensation You Deserve for Permanent Scarring
If you or a loved one has been affected by permanent scarring from a car accident, contact our Chester County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Our experienced car accident lawyers can discuss your case and explore your legal options. To learn more, submit our online form or call 610-565-3701. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.