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Calculating Compensation for Scar Injuries in Virginia Personal Injury Lawsuits

Compensation for Scar Injuries

Most people, over the course of their lifetime, will get at least one scar. However, deep and extreme scarring is uncommon and usually only occurs after a serious accident or violence. Fortunately, victims who suffer from deep scar injuries can potentially get significant compensation in Virginia personal injury lawsuits, depending on the nature of the scar and its effect on their life.

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Incidents that Commonly Lead to Scarring

 

Scarring can occur in numerous different fashions. That said, certain types of incidents tend to cause scars more often than others. After one of these incidents takes place, the seriousness of the scarring and who was at fault will factor heavily into the damages calculations.

Traffic Accidents

 

Traffic accidents, including motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes, produce some of the most horrific accidents due to the amount of force generated in a crash.

Lacerated or burned skin easily creates permanent scarring if the wound is serious enough. When a victim fails to seek immediate treatment, they may be more likely to develop significant scarring.

At particular risk of scarring in traffic accidents are those who transit without the protective casing that cars offer. This includes pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. An impact can easily damage exposed skin.

Dog Bites

 

With multiple millions of dogs in the country, it is no surprise that millions of people need treatment and care for dog bites each year. Thanks to the efficient and strong jaws and teeth many dogs possess, the force they exert can be immense. Significant scarring often occurs when the dog drags or shakes their victim while locked down in a bite.

Victims of dog bites may get compensation from the dog’s owner for scarring that results from the injury.

Work Accidents

 

Most jobs have some component of danger to them, no matter how safe they may seem. From fast-food workers to delivery drivers, employees in virtually every sector of the job market face risk every time they work. Particularly high-risk jobs use heat and fire, such as food prep jobs, and heavy machinery, like construction work.

Slips and Falls

 

Slip and fall accidents often appear in comedies. But there is nothing funny about these accidents. The more serious ones lead to significant injuries and permanent scarring. For instance, someone who slips and falls on a wet construction site while working could be cut by sharp metal, rocks, or dangerous equipment.

Medical Malpractice

 

Sadly, those we trust to heal us sometimes cause scarring. Substandard treatment on the part of a negligent healthcare provider can lead to infections, injuries, and inflammation. All of these can cause permanent scarring. What makes scarring in this context even more terrible is that it comes from those who should cure ailments.

Types of Scar Injury

 

Scar Injuries
Scar Injuries

The categories of scar Injury are based on various characteristics, such as color, source, and appearance. These categories are:

  • Atrophic: Atrophic scars, which commonly occur after a bout of chickenpox or acne, are depressed into the skin and look like dimples or indentations
  • Contracture: Contracture scars, which are common with burn injuries, cause the skin to tighten and contract, restricting movement
  • Hypertrophic: Hypertrophic scars are raised slightly above the skin and never flatten, even when the scar shrinks
  • Keloids: Keloids are large, raised scars that can spread and have a limiting effect on motion
  • Flat: Flat scarring often starts out raised, but as the healing process continues, the scars will flatten and become discolored compared to the surrounding skin
  • Adhesions: Adhesions are scar tissue found inside the body that often forms between organs that are unconnected

Regardless of the type of scar you have, the financial and emotional impact on your future can be devastating. For this reason, the law allows victims with scars to seek recompense for their scarring through Virginia personal injury lawsuits.

Calculating Compensation for Scar Injury

 

Calculating settlement compensation for scar injuries in Virginia personal injury lawsuits can be challenging. Victims need a seasoned advocate who can increase their chances of recovering maximum compensation by negotiating fiercely.

Factors Affecting Compensation for Scarring

 

Virginia personal injury lawsuits that seek compensation for scar injuries must take various factors into account. Each of these factors will influence the final compensation total. They include:

  • Age of the Victim: Since younger victims are presumed to live longer than older ones, younger victims get more for the same scarring as older victims
  • Location of the Scar: If the scar is on a victim’s face or hands, they will likely receive more compensation than if the scar was perpetually invisible to the public
  • Gender of the Victim: Females who get scars tend to receive more compensation than males
  • Marital Status: Unmarried individuals who acquire scars tend to get more compensation than those who are married, as a prominent scar could affect their ability to attract a partner

The severity of the injury will also influence the compensation value. The more severe the injury and scarring are, the more compensation a victim will likely receive.

Treatment for Scar Injuries

 

Much of the compensation you get for scarring goes toward treatment. Depending on the type of scar injuries, various forms of treatment are available, including:

  • Chemical peels
  • Injections containing collagen or cortisone
  • Laser resurfacing
  • Revision of the scar surgically
  • Radiation therapy
  • Punch grafts

Treatment might also include psychiatric or psychological care. Scar injuries can have a deep impact on a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. When this is the case, the victim may seek compensation for their psychiatric care as well.

Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

 

If you have been scarred and need help with Virginia personal injury lawsuits, the Joel Bieber Firm is ready to listen. Call our office today to speak with a Virginia personal injury lawyer who cares.


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