When you are involved in an accident, it can be incredibly devastating. Not only can you endure pain and suffering as a result of the injuries inflicted, but you may also endure lasting mental anguish as a result. In some instances, you may be left with a visible reminder of the negligent actions that caused your injuries. Disfigurement and scarring can be devastating, which is why it’s imperative to understand how to fight for the compensation you deserve. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Are the Types of Disfigurement and Scarring?
Any type of permanent damage to the body is considered disfigurement. While this most commonly refers to scarring, there are different forms of disfigurement, including enucleation, amputations, changes in bone structure, and soft tissue damage, among others.
As with types of disfigurement, there are a number of different scars you can obtain following an injury in Louisiana. Scars caused by serious burns are referred to as contracture scars, as they cause the skin to tighten, making movement more difficult. Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, are thick scars caused by infections. As such, if you are injured and the wound subsequently becomes infected, this type of scarring can develop.
Scarring and disfigurement can be caused by any number of accidents, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Burns
- Car accidents
- Lacerations
- Slips and falls
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Work injuries
Aside from the physical impact of scarring or disfigurement, which can cause physical limitations, these injuries can be incredibly emotionally damaging. Due to their permanence, scars often serve as a continual reminder of the pain and fear suffered during an accident.
Can I Recover Compensation?
Because scars and disfigurement can be a constant reminder of the trauma endured by an injury victim, those who are injured are eligible to receive compensation for the damages they’ve endured. Typically, you can recover two different forms of compensation. The first are economic damages, which reflect the tangible losses you’ve suffered as a result of the injury. This includes things like lost wages, medical bills, and property damages. The next kind of compensation is non-economic damages, which reflect non-tangible losses like loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, pain, and mental anguish.
Scarring and disfigurement can fall into both categories. You may be able to recover economic damages for the medical bills you’ve incurred for the treatment of the scars and disfigurement, while you can seek noneconomic compensation for the emotional damage you’ve suffered as a result.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that has left you scarred or disfigured, it is imperative to understand your right to compensation in these matters. Filing a claim while healing physically and emotionally can be challenging; however, this is why it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney with Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC. Our team will do everything possible to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case with a member of our firm.