Can I Sue For Disfigurement From An Accident?

Severe and permanent disfigurement can result from many different types of catastrophic injuries.

Often, when disfigurement is permanent, victims are traumatized by the accident that caused it and the disfigurement itself. Serious disfigurement, especially when it involves the face or other visible body parts when clothed, is a daily reminder of the situation that caused it.

For some victims, disfigurement impacts their ability to enjoy their lives or even to get a job. Additionally, they may need continued medical treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, and at-home care throughout their lives.

What Types Of Accidents Result In Severe Disfigurement?

Disfigurement is any permanent or severe damage that affects an individual’s appearance. It can happen due to birth injuries or diseases or, more commonly, injuries sustained from accidents or blunt trauma.

Some of the most common types of accidents that result in a disfiguring injury include:

• Car wrecks
• Automobile-pedestrian accidents
• Large truck or semi collisions
• Motorcycle or bicycle accidents
• Workplace or construction site accidents
• Dog (or other animal) attacks or mauling
• Airbag deployment
• Fires or explosions
• Injuries from defective or malfunctioning products
• Injuries that result from medical malpractice

Any part of the body can be injured and disfigured in these accidents. However, severe facial injuries and permanent disfigurement may result in the victim suffering increased emotional distress, loss of confidence, and damaged self-esteem.

What Types Of Injuries Are Considered Disfigurements?

Severe disfigurements are more serious than scarring. They are permanent and are often challenging to treat. They may require many surgeries, reconstructive or otherwise, but still not be able to return a patient to their previous appearance. Some of the common types of injuries that can lead to severe disfigurement include:

• Bone fractures, including compound fractures
• Burns
• Facial soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations, including amputations          
• Eye injuries

The face and eyes are complicated, containing small bones, tendons, and nerves. When these areas are injured, they may not heal properly. The physical impact of the above injuries is often present for a lifetime, even with ongoing medical treatment.

What Are The Effects Of Permanent Disfigurement?

Some disfigurements, though severe, are mainly cosmetic, but some, specifically those that involve the loss of a body part, also affect a person’s overall quality of life. Individuals who have suffered disfigurement may also have long-term pain, loss of mobility, speech problems, loss of vision, and other conditions. However, disfigurement may lead to more than physical injuries.

Many people in accidents that leave them disfigured also suffer psychological injuries. They may be self-conscious about their appearance, which can become isolating. Additionally, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their accident.

Medical and psychological treatment for these injuries can be expensive. In addition to medical treatment, victims may need psychological therapy and be unable to work, resulting in more expenses and lost wages.

How Is Disfigurement Proven In A Pennsylvania Personal Injury Case?

Disfigurement affects an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. In Pennsylvania personal injury cases, disfigurement is a type of damage plaintiffs can seek. It’s essential to maintain medical records, police reports, and documents related to the injury from the time it happened. Medical experts will likely be needed to review medical records and evaluate the severity of the injuries.

Compensation awarded for disfigurement is based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, how the injury affects the plaintiff’s daily life, the body parts affected, the plaintiff’s age, job, pain, and emotional distress. Suppose you are a victim of disfigurement due to an accident. In that case, it’s vital to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure the best outcome in your claim.

Why Choose The Personal Injury Attorneys At Ross Feller Casey?

The personal injury attorneys at Ross Feller Casey in Philadelphia have decades of experience helping clients who have been disfigured due to someone else’s negligence. They have a winning track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts for families like yours. While no amount of money can reverse a disfigurement, the team at Ross Feller Casey will work closely with you and your family to understand the complete impact of your loss to ensure that you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you have been disfigured in an accident, contact the office of Ross Feller Casey to schedule your free personal injury consultation. We can help you determine how to proceed with your case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you will never pay a fee until we win your case.