Can I claim for scarring?

The quick answer:
Yes.

If you have been injured as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s actions or inaction, and the injury results in scarring you are entitled to claim compensation.

The amount of compensation you can claim will reflect the nature and extent of the original injury and the scarring produced as a consequence.

Claiming compensation for scarring – Advice guide:

If your injury results in either superficial scarring that fades over time or if you have suffered more severe scarring, there are quick and easy steps you can take straight away that will assist you later in your claim for compensation:

1. Seek help from a doctor; ensuring details of how your accident happened are recorded by your GP or the hospital.

2. Complain; make sure the at fault party are aware of your accident and makes a record. For example if you suffer an injury at work, ensure your employer records details of your injury and how it happened in their accident report book.

3. Take photos and/or video of the area where the accident took place to back up what happened.

4. Get contact details of any witnesses who may be able to help your case.

5. Seek advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor, preferably with a proven track record in scarring claims.

Whilst proving that you have suffered scarring as a direct result of an injury is relatively straightforward, proving the injury was caused by someone else’s actions may not be. Seeking early advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor often makes the difference between receiving compensation rightfully owed and not.

How much compensation will I receive?

Entrusting your claim to the right solicitor for the job can also maximise the compensation you recover. Not all scars attract the same amount; compensation will depend on:

• The location and visibility of the scarring
• The extent of any disfigurement or cosmetic impact of the scarring
• The need for (and extent of) any surgery to repair the damage
• Whether your injury results in any long term disability

Depending on these factors the amount of compensation you receive may vary from a few thousand pounds to significantly more.

Whilst your case is ongoing, you can assist by taking regular photographs of your injury as it heals and the scarring develops.

It may also be helpful to keep a diary during your recovery, noting any time taken off work, appointments attended and surgery or treatment required etc.

In more severe cases, scarring may cause more problems than cosmetic damage alone; other issues to note during your recovery include:

• Stiffness to the surrounding skin
• Itching and irritation
• Dermatitis or other related skin conditions
• Loss of sensation, grip or dexterity of fingers or hands, if affected
• Permanent restriction in movement of any affected joints
• Painful neurological symptoms or nerve damage
• Loss of confidence and body image issues
• Depression and social anxiety

Your personal injury solicitor will engage the help of medical experts to determine what, if any continuing physical and psychological injury you are likely to suffer in future as a result of your injury and scarring. They can also provide expert advice on possible treatment options and the likelihood that these treatments will help to reduce the visibility of your scarring.

Based on their expert opinion your injury solicitor can then provide informed guidance on how much you should settle your claim for, as well as seeking the costs of any recommended treatment from the at fault party.

If you would like to have a free, no obligation chat with one of our personal injury solicitors please contact us on 0161 399 1231.