Defining Disfiguring Injuries
Disfigurement is any lasting change to the appearance or functionality of a person’s body as a result of an injury. Common types of disfigurement include scarring, amputation of limbs, blindness, deafness, and paralysis. In some cases, disfigurement can also involve changes to your facial features due to facial fractures or burns sustained in an accident.
In order for an injury to constitute disfigurement, it must be permanent and visible or audible from a distance. For example, if an accident results in a bruise that fades after several days or weeks, that would not constitute disfigurement. If the same accident results in scarring that will remain visible even after healing has occurred, however, that could qualify as disfigurement according to the law.
What Accidents Often Lead to Disfigurement?
Any number of negligence-related accidents can lead to a disfiguring injury. Accidents that commonly lead to disfigurement include:
- Defective products
- Dog bite/attack incidents
- Fire-related accidents (including those involving flammable substances, electrocution, and/or corrosive materials)
- Heavy machinery or equipment accidents (especially those on construction sites)
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports accidents
Compensation in Disfigurement Claims
In personal injury cases involving disfigurement, victims are usually entitled to seek compensatory damages for their injuries. Compensatory damages are intended to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with medical expenses and lost wages caused by an accident. You can also pursue non-economic damages that aim to compensate you for pain and suffering and other losses that do not have a clear cost.
Victims may also be eligible for punitive damages depending on the negligence of the at-fault party involved in the accident; these awards serve as punishment for reckless behavior and are designed to deter similar actions from occurring in the future.
If you have suffered any type of permanent physical or psychological damage due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you speak with a catastrophic injury attorney who can help assess your legal options and ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses. Calculating your damages, especially non-economic damages can be complex, and an attorney can help ensure you achieve the best possible settlement.
Reliable Legal Counsel for Victims of Negligence
Disfigurement can have long-lasting effects on both your physical appearance and functionality as well as your mental health—making it essential to seek full compensation if you have been injured due to another party’s negligence or recklessness. With proper legal assistance from a professional lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases involving disfigurements, you may be able to gain access to much-needed medical treatment and financial resources during this difficult time so that you can move forward with confidence—one step at a time.
The Dickinson Law Firm handles catastrophic injury cases, including cases involving disfigurement. Backed by over 40 years of collective experience, our attorneys offer our clients tailored solutions and personalized attention.
Discuss your case with a member of our team. Schedule an initial consultation today by calling (770) 924-8155 or reaching out online.