Any time you are hurt because of the actions of another person, it can be devastating. However, you may find that the pain you endure in the moment can last a lifetime if you are left with scarring or disfigurement as a result. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about the compensation you can recover and the importance of discussing your circumstances with a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer.
Are There Different Types of Scarring and Disfigurement?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that scarring is a form of disfigurement. However, because there are different types and severities of scarring, these can be separate from other forms of disfigurement.
Generally, scarring occurs when the body heals a deep wound, and the excess collagen produced by your body to close the wound builds up, creating a distinct appearance. There are different types of scars, like keloids, which are abnormally thick, or hypertrophic scars, which can occur as a result of an infection during the healing process.
Disfigurement, on the other hand, occurs any time a part of your body is visually and distinctly changed as the result of an injury or illness. For example, limb loss, enucleation, or bone fractures that do not heal properly can all impact your physical appearance, constituting disfigurement.
Not only can this impact your physical appearance, but many of these injuries can also be painful, even after they have healed. You’ll find that you may endure limited mobility and nerve damage, which can cause discomfort and sensitivity.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If you have endured scarring or disfigurement because of someone else’s negligence, whether it be failure to keep their aggressive dog leashed or distracted driving, you are likely eligible to pursue a claim against them. Typically, in these instances, you can seek two forms of compensation. The first is economic damages. These reflect the tangible, monetary losses you’ve endured because of the incident, like medical bills or property damage. The other kinds of damages are non-economic. These represent the emotional suffering you’ve endured because of the defendant’s negligence. Common examples include mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When seeking compensation for scarring and disfigurement, you’ll find that you can recover both. You can seek economic damages for the medical care you’ve received to help reduce the appearance of scarring or physical therapy to improve your mobility after disfigurement.
However, you can also seek non-economic damages, as these injuries can be difficult to cope with. Not only is your appearance permanently altered because of someone’s negligent actions, but these wounds can serve as a visible reminder of the pain and fear endured. As such, you may endure a loss in self-esteem, lose friendships or romantic opportunities, and suffer from PTSD as a result.
Though money can’t return you to a time before the incident, it can help ease the financial burden you may endure from the actions of a negligent party. If you are ready to pursue a claim against the negligent party, working with an experienced attorney is in your best interest. Our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you need help, contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
