Scar Injury Compensation Claims – a Step by Step Guide

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Scar Injury Compensation Claims

Are you eligible to Claim Scar Injury Compensation?

Millions of people in the UK have scars arising from lots of different situations such as surgical procedures and accidents.

Scarring can be extremely distressing, both physically and emotionally.

If you’ve suffered a scar as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should seek legal advice to see if you can make a claim for No Win No Fee Injury Compensation.

Claiming Scar Injury Compensation can be complex, so it’s best to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor who will be able to help you through the claims process.

If you’re successful in your personal injury claim, you will receive financial compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of your scar and for the losses flowing from the accident.

This money could help you get the medical treatment you need to improve the appearance of your scar, or cover any other expenses you’ve incurred as a result of your injury.


Let’s Get Started

If you’ve suffered the scarring, whether that involves several superficial scars or a permanent scar injury, as a result of someone else’s carelessness and this happened within the last 3 years you may well be entitled to bring a personal injury claim.

  • The best way of finding out whether it’s a good idea to claim scar injury compensation is by speaking to specialist personal injury solicitors.
  • Specialist Solicitors will be able to run through the circumstances of the accident with you, explain the injury claims process and the likely amount of scar compensation.
  • They will also provide an expert opinion about whether your scar injury claim is likely to succeed.
  • Don’t be afraid to make contact – so much better to know for sure whether you have a scar injury claim that is worth running.
  • Making a Scar Injury Compensation Claim can seem daunting, but with the help of a specialist No Win No Fee Claims solicitor, you can get the compensation you deserve.

Are You eligible for Compensation for Scarring?

If you have suffered from scarring as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Scarring can have a significant impact on your life, both physically and emotionally, so it is important to seek legal advice if you believe you may have a case.

There are so many different types of personal injury claims that can cause scarring injuries.

But how ever your injury was caused it is your solicitors overriding task to ensure that you make the winning arguments.

In a disputed claim whether your claim is eventually successful will depend upon the knowledge, tactical prowess and experience of your personal injury solicitor.


Liability Considerations – What Do You Have to Prove?

There are three main elements that need to be proven in order for a scarring compensation claim to be successful:

1. The defendant owed you a duty of care;

2. They breached that duty of care; and

3. You suffered injuries that resulted in scarring because of that negligence.

If you are able to prove all three of these elements, then you may be entitled to claim compensation for your personal injury.

  • The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your scarring and the impact it has had on your life.
  • There can be little doubt that you are hugely reliant upon the skills, motivation and commitment of your solicitor Just make sure that you choose wisely.
  • We cannot emphasis enough that you need to choose your solicitor very carefully and ensure that your solicitor is up for the job and where necessary, the fight!
  • If you would like more information about making a scarring compensation claim, please contact us with no charge and no obligation.

We would be delighted to discuss your personal injury claim with you and advise you on the best course of action.


How Much is Your Scar Injury Compensation Claim Worth?

There are so many factors that can affect the value of scar injury claims.

  • The most important factor is the location of the scar. Facial scars, for example, will generally be worth more than scars on other parts of the body. This is especially the case if it is prominent and easily noticeable.
  • Scar injury compensation claims will also attract higher awards when the personal injury is associated with significant psychological difficulties over and above the primary injury. If the injury is associated with emotional distress and ongoing mental anguish leading to a loss of enjoyment of life then  compensation payouts will be that much higher.
  • Scarring that is visible when wearing everyday clothes may also be worth more than scarring that is only visible when you are undressed.
  • Other factors that can affect the value of scar injury claims include the size, depth and severity of the scar, as well as any permanent disability or disfigurement that has resulted from the injury.

If you have been left with a Scar Injury, it is important to speak to a personal injury claims solicitor to discuss your case and find out how much compensation you could be entitled to.


How much Compensation for Facial Scarring? 

Compensation for severe facial scarring, which is the primary injury, is always going to result in much higher scar settlements when compared to scarring to other parts of the body.

Higher compensation for severe facial scarring is justified on the grounds it is more visible and much more likely to involve an adverse psychological reaction.

The courts will take into account a number of factors when determining the appropriate damages including:

  • The prominence or severity of the scarring and whether the victim has been left with a permanent scar injury; 
  • The nature and extent of treatment and any physical pain or discomfort caused by the scarring. A facial scar claim can sometimes involve a loss of sensation in the affected area and this will be taken into account when assessing how much compensation.
  • The age of the claimant;
  • The impact of the disfigurement upon the claimant subjectively including the extent to which they valued their appearance;
  • The extent to which the injury adversely affects the claimant’s social, domestic and work lives;
  • The psychological impact upon the claimant, which in severe cases may be very substantial and result in maximum compensation. Facial scars can often lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity, and this will be taken into account when making a decision on facial scar injury compensation claims. 
  • The precise location of the scarring also effects the value of  a facial scar compensation claim. Facial scars that are visible at conversational distances are likely to result in higher levels of facial scar compensation than those that are hidden away. This is because visible scars can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence.

Permanent Facial Scar Compensation Claims tends to lead to the highest awards as inevitably this type of permanent scarring is associated with the most serious adverse psychological effects.


The Judicial Studies Guidelines – THE First Port of Call when valuing Scar Injuries.

The first step in valuing a scar is to assess its severity using the Judicial College Guidelines.

These give broad categories of injuries with indications of the amount of scar settlements.

In general, the primary injury is assessed as either minor, moderate, or major, depending on the impact they have on the individual’s life.

All personal injury practitioners start by referring to JCG (Judicial College Guidelines)  which give broad categories of injuries with indications of their value.

In terms of scar injuries the amount of scar settlements depend upon where on the body the scarring is situated and its severity.

It’s also relevant to consider whether surgery is necessary and can improve the appearance of the personal injury.


Scarring to the BODY JCG (14th Edition) 

When scarring is to the body as opposed to the face and is not usually visible compensation awards tend to be lower.

A single large scar, or several minor scars to the limbs which are visible but not prominent is worth around £2080 to £6870.

Compensation for a number of noticeable laceration scars, or a single noticeable scar to the legs or arms or hands or torso fall into the bracket of £6,870 to £19,930.


Facial Scarring Compensation Amounts Under the Judicial Studies Guidelines (14th edition) 

The following broad brackets of damages are given for facial scar compensation amounts:

(a) “Very Severe Scarring

In a relatively young claimants (typically teens to early 30s) where the cosmetic effect is very disfiguring and the psychological reaction severe.

£23,740 to £77,580

£26,120 to £85,340

(b) Less Severe Scarring

Where the disfigurement is still substantial and where there is a significant psychological reaction.

£14,320 to £38,600

£15,750 to £42,460

(c) Significant Scarring

Where the worst effects have been or will be reduced by plastic surgery leaving some cosmetic disability. Where the psychological reaction is not great or, having been considerable at the outset, has diminished to relatively minor proportions.

£7,270 to £23,980

£7,990 to £26,380

(d) Less Significant Scarring

In these cases there may be but one scar which can be camouflaged or, though there are a number of very small scars, the overall effect is to mar but not markedly to affect the appearance and the reaction is no more than that of an ordinarily sensitive young woman.

£3,150 to £10,960

£3,460 to £12,050

(e) Trivial Scarring

In these cases the effect is minor only.

£1,360 to £2,810

£1,500 to £3,090

Whatever bracket of damages your scarring claim fits into securing maximum compensation for scar settlements is our aim and on a No Win No Fee basis.


Permanent Scar Compensation Claims

Permanent Scar Compensation Claims often arise from unexpected events. Perhaps you were injured in a car accident or slipped and fell at work. Regardless of how it happened, if you now have a permanent scar, you may be eligible to bring a claim.

  • A permanent scar can be a very difficult injury to deal with. Not only is it a constant reminder of the trauma you endured, but it can also have a serious impact on your self-confidence and quality of life.
  • If you have suffered a permanent scar as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. By speaking with a personal injury lawyer, you can learn more about your legal rights and options.
  • When you have a permanent scar, it can affect how others see and treat your appearance.
  • A permanent scar injury by definition is any physical injury that leaves an indelible mark on one’s body — whether they’re physically harmful or just aesthetically unpleasant to look at (and sometimes both).

What are the Types of Permanent Scarring?

There are some specific types of permanent scar injury which fit into 3 specific categories (set out below) and they all have different characteristics.

The type you have may depend on how your body heals from an injury, what kind or force it was that caused the damage to begin with (think fire), as well if there were any dressings used at all during the recovery process.

Flat Pale Scars. The body has a natural tendency to heal and fade scarring and the most common type of scars are flat, pale or mixed in colour due their lack if pigment from injury. These scars do not impede function in anyway but can still cause real adverse psychological effects such as depression following the scarring injury.

Keloid Scars. These are a type of scar that can be both cosmetic in nature and severe enough to affect the function of an entire joint. If they’re located, on joints then they may prevent those parts from functioning properly and can also cause pain during movement, for example, arthritis. Faster healing means more collagen is produced, which becomes apparent in these over- cured scars as dark coloured areas with little or no pigment release after damage occurs.

Scar Contractures can be a very painful and difficult problem to deal with. They occur when the skin shrinks or becomes stretched, for example after an accident like burn damage which leaves scars on your body’s tissue permanently fixed in place. This in turn leads to difficulty in moving the joints in and around the damaged skin making daily activities such as walking painful and even impossible without surgery being performed first.

Whatever type of permanent scars you have, our team can help. 

Just call us on 0800 652 0586 to start your claim for permanent scar injury compensation now with a free consultation, of course.


Permanent Scars Caused by a Burn Injury

Permanent scars caused by a burn injury can lead to serious physical and emotional difficulties.

Hypertrophic burn scars (raised scars in the area of the original burn) are the most common complication of a burn injury and can limit a survivor’s ability to function as well as affect their body image.

  • The physical difficulties may include pain, itching, and hypersensitivity.
  • The emotional difficulties may include anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder.
  • The scar that forms on your body after a burn can be permanent, but it largely depends upon how severe and deep the burn injury was in the first instance.
  • Even the most minor of burns can leave behind a permanent scar. This is because the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is permanently damaged and unable to heal properly.

Will the Burn leave You with Scarring?

It is difficult to predict who will develop scarring, but research shows that less severe burns that heal in less than 14 days generally have no scarring.

  1. More severe burns heal in 14 to 21 days and put you at a risk of scarring.
  2. Burns that take more than 21 days to heal are at a higher risk of developing permanent burn injuries.
  3. Permanent burn injuries can limit a survivor’s ability to function and affect their body image.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing permanent scar injuries, but there are treatments available that can help lessen the appearance and impact of scars.

The difference between burn scars and other types of wounds is the way they heal.

Burn victims often need extra care because their skin becomes more sensitive to pain, making the rehabilitation process harder after an injury or surgery.

In more lightly burned areas of skin like on the face and hands there will usually only be a need to apply topical ointments every few hours while larger burns require much deeper treatment. In these instances medications such as steroids or chemical peels which can help remove dead cells from underneath the surface layer so they don’t continue causing problems in the future.

We want to help you in any way we can and we can start with a free consultation.

Let us help you get the permanent scar injury compensation you deserve for your scar injury claim.

Don’t be afraid to talk to us about your permanent scar injury compensation claim.


Permanent Scarring and its Effects on Quality of Life?

Most people who suffer a permanent scarring will experience no long-term problems. However for a small percentage of people, the long-term effects can be significant.

  • Physical problems can include pain, nerve damage, and reduced range of motion.
  • Psychological problems can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Whether it is physical or psychological, permanent scars will always affect you in some way and may cause problems that could never be predicted before getting this kind of injury.
  • The most obvious concern with a burn victim would probably involve their appearance, at least in the beginning, with the victim having to fight excruciating pain, reduced range of motion, and infection.
  • Psychological problems can include difficulty trusting others, feeling self-conscious or ugly, and experiencing flashbacks or nightmares about the event that caused the scar.
  • If you are suffering from any of these long-term effects, it is so important to seek help.
  • There are many treatments available for both physical and psychological problems. In some cases, surgery may be needed to improve the appearance of the scar tissue or to relieve physical discomfort. If psychological problems are severe, psychiatric treatment may be recommended. Treatment options will vary depending on the individual’s needs, so it is important to consult a doctor or therapist who specialises in scar treatment.
  • With the right treatment, you can manage the long-term effects of your scar and look to live a happy, healthy life.

Permanent scar injuries can have a devastating impact on your life. If you have suffered from one, you may be entitled to permanent scar injury compensation.

Permanent Scar Injuries can cause a great deal of physical and emotional pain, and can have a major impact on your quality of life.

If your permanent scar caused physical pain, you might feel like you’re always in discomfort.

The emotional pain can be just as tough to deal with, though. You may feel like you’re constantly being reminded of the trauma that caused the scar in the first place. It can be difficult to move on from such a thing.

If you contact us to discuss your permanent scar claim a discussion with us may be just what you need to get the permanent scar compensation process started and on its way to resolution.

We understand the impact that permanent scar injuries can have on your life and are here to help in whatever way possible.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us about your permanent scar compensation claim.


Practical Steps to take following Scar Injury Claims?

This is a question many people ask themselves after suffering an injury that leaves them with body scarring, minor facial scarring or a permanent scar injury.

  • The first step should always be to gather evidence of what happened and how it happened, which may include taking photos or getting statements from those who saw the accident first hand.
  • If appropriate, the accident will need to be formally reported and entered into an accident book as soon as practicable. The entry needs to be checked very carefully to ensure it is clear, entirely accurate and the facts cannot be misconstrued.
  • If by any chance the accident happened to be recorded by CCTV it is crucial that the controller of the data is contacted immediately to ensure that the relevant footage is preserved and not wiped clean!
  • The more evidence you can gather the better, particularly as soon as you possibly can following the accident when the evidence is fresh and recollections are likely to be accurate.
  • Courts tend to apportion a great deal of significance to contemporaneous evidence compiled immediately following an accident on the grounds that this is normally strong and reliable.
  • It is important to take photos of the scarring immediately after the accident. This will provide valuable documentation of the primary injury and its location on your body. It will also be necessary for you to continue to update the photographs to illustrate how the subsequent scarring is healing over time. For more serious permanent scarring, your solicitor may arrange for a professional photographer to take a selection of photographs showing the nature and extent of the scarring.
  • It is also important to get medical treatment for the scar as soon as possible. This will create a record of the injury and its treatment, which can be used as evidence in court.
  • It is also helpful to keep a journal documenting the impact the scar has on your life. This can include information about how the scar looks, how it affects your daily activities, and how it makes you feel emotionally.

All the evidence you collate can be invaluable to support your case if you decide to pursue a No Win No Fee Compensation Claim.

Of course, if you have any questions about how to collect evidence and what evidence is required following your scar injury accident, please contact us for assistance and advice.


How Can We Help?

Again, there is no substitute for talking to us so that you can establish how much compensation you are likely to receive with reference to the latest guidelines and case law.

We have a terrific track record over many years.

You can be sure that we will look after you and fight your corner relentlessly.

Spare a moment to have a look at all our amazing client feedback and make the decision to contact us so we can help you.


What Type of Accidents give rise to Scar Injury Claims?

Scarring can be a very visible and distressing injury. It is not always easy to cope with the physical and emotional impact of having a scar. If you have sustained a scar as a result of an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

There are a whole range of ways in which a person can sustain scarring injuries including:

  • Accidents in public places such as cuts and lacerations sustained in a swimming pool or after slipping or tripping in a fall accident.
  • We have dealt with scarring in the context of cycling accidents when car doors have been carelessly opened into the path of our client causing a nasty laceration to the chest as well as significant internal injury.
  • Accidents at work can also lead to subsequent scarring injuries especially when dealing with hazardous work machinery.
  • There are many other personal injury claims that give rise to scar compensation but how ever you have suffered your scar injury it’s important you get in touch with the right solicitor who has the right experience to help you with your scar compensation claim.

A specialist personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you on whether you are eligible to make a (permanent) scar compensation claim and will help you through the whole process.

If you would like more information on facial scar compensation claims, including how much compensation you are likely to receive, please visit our website or call us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.


How is the Scarring Injury assessed?

There’s no substitute for instructing a consultant plastic surgeon when dealing with scar compensation claims.

The court will need an professional medical assessment from the consultant dealing with a number of matters including:

  • An examination of the claimant;
  • A  description of the nature and extent of the scarring (often the expert will take photographs and measurements of the scarring);
  • Confirmation in relation to whether the claimant has any ongoing pain and suffering arising from the injured area;
  • Any treatment such as revision surgery that might help to improve the appearance of the scarring;
  • The crucial prognosis for the future with an opinion in relation to whether the appearance of the scarring will improve or if it will remain permanently.

Depending upon the nature and extent of the scarring it may also be necessary to organise a psychological assessment of the client particularly if the injury involves facial permanent scarring.

It is easy to see how a disfiguring scar can have a devastating psychological effect upon an individual.

Permanent Scarring can often be a very visible indicator of an injury.

But after all it is not only the physical appearance of the scar that can cause difficulties, but also the psychological impact that can be associated with having a scar.

In circumstances such as these a detailed psychological assessment will be required as well as possibly professional treatment to help facilitate the client’s recovery.

Once all the necessary reports have been obtained and been approved by the client they will be used to support the scar injury claim.

This information is essential in order to make a fair and accurate decision about compensation. Scarring injuries can be difficult to assess, so it’s important to get expert advice.


No Win No Fee Scar Injury Compensation Claims

We know having acted for thousands of clients over the years that there is a real concern about whether there will be hidden charges or nasty surprises.

Making a no win no fee claim us is easy. We won’t charge you any fees unless we win your case, and our services are tailored to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible for you.

We understand that many people are reluctant to make a claim for compensation, fearing that they will be hit with hidden charges or nasty surprises. We want to assure you that this is not the case.

That’s why we offer a simple and clear No Win No Fee Guarantee:

If we agree to accept your scar injury claim on a no win no fee basis then it’s risk free:

  • No Upfront Payments
  • No charging you if you happen to lose…

You’ll never be out of pocket…… although we always take on your claim with a view to winning and on the best possible terms 🙂


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prove my scar injury is eligible for compensation?

This is a question your solicitor will be able to help you with as they will have the experience to be able to look at the scarring and provide an opinion in relation to the eligibility and potential value of the claim. If you have suffered scarring in an accident, then please remember you need to make sure you take lots of photographs to show how the scarring is healing over time.  Along side this, then it may also be necessary to receive ongoing help and assistance from a medical expert to ensure you are doing all you can to facilitate your recovery.


How do Scar Injury Compensation Claims Work?

In essence, your solicitor will initially need to assess your claim to establish that you are likely to succeed in terms of liability.

Once this assessment has been carried out, then the next stage is to value your claim by obtaining independent medical evidence so a report can be prepared dealing with all aspects of the injury.

Once the evidence in support of the claim has been disclosed then the Defendant’s insurers will be invited to put forward proposals, but if their offer is too low or if they fail to put forward proposals then your solicitor should then prepare your claim so court proceedings can be issued.


Who pays for the Medical Treatment required to improve the appearance of the Scarring? 

If the independent medical expert advises that there is treatment that could improve the appearance of the scarring then, subject to liability, the defendants insurers should agree to pay for this.

If for any reason they refuse then there is always the option to commence legal proceedings with a view to making a formal interim payment application to the court to resolve the issue. Either way your solicitor should be looking to include the costs of any recommended medical treatment within the claim so that this treatment can be carried out straightaway or further down the line.


Where do I start if I want to bring a Scar Injury Compensation Claim?

If you are considering bringing a claim then the best thing to do is to contact your solicitor as early as possible so that you can receive initial advice to protect your position.

This might include ensuring that the accident has been properly reported, that liability evidence has been preserved as far as possible, and just generally being advised about what steps to take and when to take them. Every claim is different so there is no substitute to contacting your solicitor to make sure all bases are covered.


How are Scar Injury Compensation Claims Calculated?

There are many different factors that influence the level of compensation that you receive for scar injuries. First and foremost, the severity of the scarring and its location are very influential in determining quantum.

Clearly, if the scar is in a visible place, such as on the face, it will be worth more than a scar on, say, the back.  This is because people will be able to and it will be a constant reminder of what happened. A scar on the back, while it may be painful, is not as visible and therefore not worth as much..


How to Start Your No Win No Fee Scar Injury Claim?

  • So you think you might have a case for compensation after suffering a scar injury?
  • Here’s what you need to do to get started to claim scar injury compensation.
  • First, it’s important to get some professional advice. You can do this by talking to one of our solicitors, who will, to start with, be able to tell you whether or not your scar injury claim is worth pursuing.
  • We offer a free initial consultation, so it costs you nothing to find out.
  • It’s a simple as picking up the phone and having a chat with one of our friendly solicitors.
  • We’ll be pleased to hear from you and will be able to tell you whether your scar injury claim is worth pursuing.
  • There are a few things you’ll need to do before we can start your scar injury claim, but we’ll be happy to help you with everything.
  • You can find more information about starting your injury claim on our website, or you can give us a call and we’ll be happy to help for free legal advice.
  • We’re here to answer any questions you might have, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
  • We have years of experience dealing with No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claims, so you can be sure to rely on our expertise.
  • If you would like us to call you back, then please leave us your details and we’ll be right in touch with you.
  • If we can help you then we’ll keep any form filling to a minimum and we’ll be able to set your no win no fee injury claim up with the minimum of fuss.
  • We have years of experience helping people like you get the injury compensation they deserve, and we’re confident we can do the same for you.
  • Don’t wait any longer – get in touch today and let us help you take the first steps on the road to recovery and claim compensation you deserve.

Call us for a no obligation chat and let us take the strain for you – We’ll run your No Win No Fee Claim with a no-nonsense approach 🙂

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