Devastating injuries will often leave scarring and disfigurement as lasting effects. Scars and other visual deformities are at the very least embarrassing. A scar or other lingering injury, no matter how little, can be painful. Some accident victims' disfigurement hinders their capacity to find employment and enjoy life in the long run, and can impact victims emotionally for years to follow.
A claim for damages can be filed in New York, if there is a negligent party at fault. You may be entitled to sue that party for compensatory damages if you sustained scars or disfigurement as a result of their negligence. Punitive damages may also be awarded when scars are disfiguring and the party at fault committed egregious misconduct in causing the incident that resulted in the scars.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has the experience and knowledge in personal injury to assist you with your claim. Our NY personal injury attorneys are ready to assist you.
Factors That Impact Compensation For Scarring or Disfigurement
A jury is more likely to view scarring or disfigurement to a visible part of the body, such as the face, neck or hands more harmful, than scars to the back, stomach or other parts of the body that are covered by clothing.
Gender and age could also have an impact on the compensation received for scarring caused by accidents. A young woman is more likely than a male to be perceived by insurance adjusters and a jury as having greater damage from scarring or disfigurement than a man would.
Extremely noticeable scarring might make areas of flesh rigid and embarrassing from a cosmetic standpoint. If you get scar tissue at a joint, for example, the wider skin there can make you less mobile and modify the way you look. Scarring also causes psychological and emotional distress, loss of nerve sensitivity, and other issues.
Very severe scarring or disfigurement may lead to a variety of intangible challenges. A person's ability to marry, make friends, have a high sense of self, and participate in a variety of recreational activities can all be impacted by severe disfigurement.
A skilled personal injury attorney representing you will fight for the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
How to Document Scarring or Disfigurement
Make sure your doctor notes any scars or disfigurements you've had in your medical records and notes, whether they're permanent or temporary. Your doctor should also note whether the scar or other disfigurement affects your movement in any way. If your injuries are documented in medical records, these records can support your personal injury claim for damages.
Putting a value on a scar is very difficult. However, many New York personal injury lawyers will search verdicts in a particular area to help estimate how much juries have awarded victims with scars similar to their clients. Sometimes, a plaintiff's lawyer might hire a physician—not your treating physician—to offer an opinion on how much it would cost to remove or repair the scar in order to highlight the significance.
Scarred at an Accident? Brandon J. Broderick Is Available To Help
After an accident where you've suffered severe scarring, you need legal representation that will act fast to recover evidence and steer you on the right path to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
The personal injury attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law will fight for justice for you, just as we have with all of our clients. Whether it be in a settlement or through trial, we will not stop until justice is served. New York State locations from New York City to Buffalo.
For a free case evaluation, give us a call today and schedule an appointment.