Permanent scars from a car accident can impact your self-esteem, personal relationships, ability to work, and overall mental health. Scarring can be a form of disfigurement, one type of non-economic damages for which a plaintiff may receive compensation.

You have the right to be compensated for your non-material losses – there is nothing wrong or superficial about asserting your rights.

A skilled Florida car accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you seek the maximum value in your claim.

Compensation available for a permanent scar from a car accident

Compensation for a disfiguring scar from a car accident can include the medical care needed to address adhesions (scar tissue binding tissues to organs) and improve your mobility. You may also claim compensation for a scar revision as part of your future economic damages.

However, you may have to prove that the revision or addressing complications from scarring is medically necessary.

You can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the scar. You’re eligible for non-economic compensation if you experience numbness, loss of sensation, or pain from the scar.

If the scar impacts your ability to work, you may claim compensation for lost wages and earning potential. For instance, your career could take a hit if you make your living from your appearance, such as modeling or being a social media influencer.

You may also claim compensation for vocational training or education to help you get a job in a different line of work.

Determining the value of a scar

Medically necessary scar treatment is easy to total. Add up all your doctor’s bills and any medication and physical therapy costs. The non-economic value of a scar gets a little more subjective.

Your personal injury lawyer looks at how the scarring has changed your life:

  • What type of scar is it? Some scars, like a keloid scar, are raised and rippled and more noticeable than other types of scarring.
  • How large is the scar, and where is it? If you have a large scar on your face, you could be entitled to significantly more than someone with a scar on their calf.
  • Have you developed a mental illness (depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, e.g.) as a result of the scarring? Or, if you are already diagnosed with a mental illness, has the scarring worsened it or created a “trigger” that negatively impacts your mental health? You could receive a substantial settlement to help cover the cost of therapy and mental health treatment.
  • To what extent does the scar reduce your quality of life? Are you more withdrawn now? Has the scar affected your relationship with your significant other or made it harder to date? If you no longer enjoy the activities you used to, or if you have a hard time leaving the house, you can claim compensation for a diminished quality of life.

Your age and gender can also affect the compensatory value of a permanent scar from a car accident. For example, a young woman may be more affected by scarring than an older man.

How your scar impacts your life is unique to you. Your lawyer considers the full effect of scarring when valuing your claim.

Treatment and resources for scars

Claiming compensation for scarring isn’t superficial – it’s your right

Florida lawmakers wouldn’t have stipulated that personal injury plaintiffs have the right to compensation for scarring and disfigurement if they didn’t appreciate the emotional and psychological impacts.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we’re always ready to fight for the maximum compensation available for our clients, including compensation for scarring. Contact us at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

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