Many types of accidents result in scars and disfigurement. Motor vehicle crashes are a common cause, but these injuries can also due to workplace accidents or defective products. If you or a loved one has suffered scarring or another disfiguring injury, you may be able to get compensation. You should discuss your options with a personal injury attorney. In the meantime, we’ll discuss some of the key considerations in these types of cases. Catastrophic injuries often lead to some type of scarring or disfigurement.

At the very least, scars and deformities are embarrassing, especially when they are in a highly visible location. Even small scars and other reminders of injuries can cause anguish. Some people find it difficult to move on with their lives or find joy again. The impact the scar or other disfigurement has on the victim can depend on the type of scar it is.

Types of Scars and Disfigurement Which Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers See

Some of the scars which can result from accident injuries are:

• Atrophic scars. These are small dents or depressions which can result from a number of conditions including trauma.

• Hypertrophic scars. These are thick, elevated, reddish scars which can form over the original wound. They often fade naturally.

• Keloid scars. These are darker, elevated scars which grow beyond the wound and may need treatment to go away.

• Contracture scars. These occur when the skin or muscle tissue tightens and reduces the ability to move. They often result from burn injuries and they may require advanced treatment.

Beyond scarring, other types of disfigurement can occur from accidents. Some bone fractures can permanently change the shape of the body. Face injuries can cause the victim to end up with sunken cheekbones or a misshapen jaw or nose. Facial disfigurement can also involve the loss of an eye or a deep laceration.

Burn marks on the face, arms or legs can also be quite noticeable. Meanwhile, head injuries may leave bald patches on the scalp. After the original injuries have been treated, your physical health may improve. However, the emotional and psychological impact may last a long time.

Impact of Scarring and Disfigurement

Scars aren’t only unsightly. They can cause ongoing pain and make it difficult for you to get certain types of jobs. That’s why many people seek to get surgery to hide their scars or correct other types of disfigurement. They may get skin grafts, bone reconstructions or laser treatment. These surgeries are almost always costly, and this can make the whole situation even harder to bear. People who can’t afford to correct their deformity may suffer from low self-esteem and lack of motivation. If someone was responsible for your injury, you should do everything you can to get compensation.

Ask A Personal Injury Accident Lawyer: What Determines How Much Compensation I Get?

When you hire an attorney, they will likely advise you to pursue the at-fault party’s insurance company for damages. If this fails, you may have to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Both juries and insurance companies will consider the location of the scarring when they determine how much compensation you should get.

If the injury is located on the hands, neck or face, they may view these as more serious than one elsewhere. Your age and gender may also affect the amount you can recover. The insurer or jury may believe a young woman would suffer more damage than an older man with the same disfigurement.

Another concern is whether the damage is purely cosmetic. For example, if you have scar tissue at a joint, it can cause reduced mobility and nerve insensitivity. Severe disfigurement can affect your ability to make friends, build relationships or enjoy social activities. All of this will be taken into consideration and no two cases are alike.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Alabama to Help You Build Your Case

If you have scars or another disfigurement due to somebody else’s negligence, you should fight for the compensation you deserve. It will be difficult to negotiate with insurance companies on your own so you will need the help of a lawyer. If negotiations have already proven to be unsuccessful, you will definitely need someone to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

In particularly egregious cases, you may be able to get punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Call the Vance Law Firm today to benefit from our experience and knowledge. We can answer your questions and advise you on how to proceed. If you hire us, we will fight for you in or out of court. Book your free consultation today.