Determining Compensation for Scar-Related Damages in Virginia

Accident injuries often leave behind scars. If these scars are on visible parts of the body, such as the face, they can lead to insecurities. That aside, scars can also limit body movement and damage natural tissues.  

We know that accident victims can pursue compensation for injuries after an accident. This article details the intricacies of accidents resulting in scars and possible compensation options for victims. 

Types of Accidents Resulting in Scars 

Below are typical accidents that cause scarring of the tissues

Degloving Injuries 

This is a type of injury where the top layers of the skin are ripped off from the muscles, bones, or tissue. They mainly affect the legs and arms and could result in tissue death and significant blood loss. Degloving injuries occur from car accidents, animal bites, construction accidents, and sports injuries. 

Degloving injuries occur in two forms: open and closed. The muscles and bones underneath the damaged skin are exposed in open injuries. On the other hand, closed injuries have the skin in place, but there is damage to the underlying tissues. 

Animal Bites 

Animal bites, especially dog bites, leave the skin with terrible scars. There are nearly 4.7 million dog bites annually in the US; 800,000 require medical attention. Not only are the victim's tissues scarred, but victims may also develop PTSD from such an encounter. 

Burns 

Burns, depending on the extremity, could permanently damage the skin cells in the affected area. As the skin repairs itself, thick and discolored scar forms from the collagen released during the healing process. While first-degree burns heal without scarring, second and third-degree burns leave permanent scars that may result in anxiety and depression. 

Types of Scars 

A scar's appearance depends on its location, skin condition, patient health, and type of injury. Therefore, it could be sunken, lumpy, or flat. Here are the various types of scars.

• Adhesions - These are internal scars that occur internally between unconnected organs during surgery 
• Keloids - These lumps/raised tissues are formed during the healing process and could ultimately affect movement 
• Contractures - These occur when the skin around joints tightens during healing, thereby restricting movement 
• Atrophic - These are depressions that appear as rounded pits caused by scarring from skin conditions such as acne and chicken pox
• Flat - These are flattened scars (red or pink), often darker or lighter than the neighboring skin 
• Hypertrophic - This is raised skin that grows on the wounded area as it heals 

Treatment for Scars 

The treatment method depends on the type of scar and injury. Treatment options include:

• Punch grafts 
• Radiation therapy 
• Collagen injections 
• Chemical peels 
• Cortisone injections 
• Dermabrasion 
• Laser resurfacing
• Surgical scar revision

These treatment methods could take several months or years to heal. Also, some could be coupled with other treatment methods, such as physical therapy, to help patients regain motion, especially after contractures and keloid scars. 

Compensation for Scars 

Severe injuries could lead to infection, muscle or tissue damage, dehydration, low body temperature, and blood loss, driving up hospital bills. Fortunately, you can seek compensation for costs resulting from scar treatment.  

Various factors affect the compensation amount, such as gender, age, and scar location. For example, a young female with a facial scar could receive more compensation than an elderly male with the same scar. Also, accidents involving children may receive more compensation. 

End Note 

“If you have suffered scarring or disfigurement from an accident, ensure you hire a qualified attorney to help you seek compensation for medical bills, physical pain, and psychological stress,” says attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz LLP. 

Scarred patients suffer not only physical pain but also emotional stress. Scarred tissues, especially when visible, could bring a lot of stigma to patients as they may find it challenging to interact in public. For that reason, legal counsel may be needed to help provide additional compensation for the injuries.