Car accidents are tricky, and so are their claims. An individual who has been injured in a car crash can suffer from lifelong injuries, including scarring and disfigurements. It disrupts a victim’s life, affecting both personal and professional aspects. Scarring and disfigurement on the face or any visible body part, such as the neck, forearm, or legs, can lead to social distress. You can indeed sue the defendant for his actions in this case. However, one must understand the fundamental elements that define and can be included in a personal injury claim; that way, proceeding with legal action becomes easy.

If you are facing a critical life-and-death situation or have been injured, consult legal guidance to protect your constitutional rights. Hire a Des Moines car accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of similar cases.

How car accidents cause scarring or disfigurement:

Car accident scars and disfigurements can occur due to the following reasons:

1. Airbag Deployment: Airbags save the driver’s life, but sudden deployment of this safety tool can cause shock, burns, and frequent cuts. These injuries can lead to temporary and permanent scarring.
2. Broken Glass: When you get hit with the strong momentum of a car, the windshield and door glass may shatter. It can cause lacerations, often the primary reason for permanent scarring and disfigurement.
3. Metal and Debris: Broken or crumbled metal parts of your car can cause deep cuts and puncture your skin, leaving lifelong scars.
4. Burns: Car fires and explosions can cause varying burns to a victim’s body and skin. This results in disfigurement when healed.
5. Surgical Procedures: After the accident, the victim may require urgent medical attention, often involving emergency surgeries. When a medical professional treats the patient or handles the bleeding or cuts, it usually leaves stitches or other scars.

Scarring and disfigurement can cause temporary effects like pain, discomfort, limited motion, low self-esteem, anxiety, or fear. They can also lead to permanent consequences, such as physical changes in the victim’s body, ongoing emotional trauma, or psychological distress that generally requires therapeutic sessions. It also includes exacerbation of ongoing or past health conditions, permanently restrictive movement, memory loss, loss of cognitive abilities, loss of function, or numbness in specific body parts.

Compensation for car accident scars and disfigurement:

Compensation for scarring and disfigurement involves a monetary payout and is categorized into tangible and intangible losses.

1. Medical Expenses: This includes surgeries, maximum treatment billables, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation, and other forms of ongoing and future medical care.
2. Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Someone who is suffering from memory loss or any deadly injuries will take frequent leaves from work to focus on their treatment and healing. The defendant should also reimburse the plaintiff for his/her financial loss.
3. Pain and Suffering: Your compensation should also cover the extent of pain, emotional discomfort, and any suffering caused by the accident.
4. Emotional Trauma and Mental Distress: This includes psychological trauma, depression, and anxiety.
5. Loss of Companionship: If your spouse or family members have become distant or have left you alone because of the disturbing scars and disfigurements, this also amounts to a monetary value in your claim.

Factors that Affect Your Payout Compensation:

1. Severity of Your Damage: If the victim has endured extreme pain and life-altering damage, the jury will likely review similar past cases to determine an appropriate dollar value for your losses.
2. Age and Health: Your age, immunity, and overall health are also considered as they affect one’s ability to heal. The time your injury takes to heal is inversely proportional to your overall health. It is often observed that younger individuals in good health receive higher compensation compared to older individuals.
3. Impact on Your Life and Mental Health: If one’s social life has been completely disrupted and work life has become a mess due to the scars, disfigurements, and further injuries, this too should be accounted for. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Every car accident case is unique, and the outcome of any claim will depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation. The article does not create an attorney-client relationship, and any reliance on the information provided is solely at your own risk. For legal advice regarding your specific case, please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Published By: Aize Perez