Can I Sue if My Accident Left Me Disfigured?

 Posted on February 11, 2025 in Personal Injury

The way we look plays a significant part in our self-esteem. Children, in particular, are likely to bully others who look different, further reinforcing the belief that appearance relates to self-worth. While there is not much we can do about the looks we are born with, disfigurement from an accident can cause several adverse effects.

Since facial disfigurement can be associated with physical pain as well as psychological impacts, seeking damages can seem confusing. If you are disfigured in an accident, you are probably wondering what type of compensation you are entitled to. A knowledgeable Glenview, IL personal injury lawyer can ensure your claim is handled competently to achieve optimal results.

What Can Cause Scarring and Disfigurement?

Many kinds of accidents and injuries can cause scarring, limb loss, and disfigurement, including:

• Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents

• Burns

• Facial trauma

• Dog attacks and bites

When an accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Although your limbs and torso may bear significant scarring, facial disfigurement is often the most difficult to deal with.

What Effects Can Disfigurement Have on the Victim?

Emotional and psychological scars can run just as deep as physical wounds. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a loss of self-worth can be overwhelming. Disfigurement can lead victims to withdraw from social interactions, further increasing their suffering. However, there are also physical disabilities that can result from scarring.

Muscle weakness and stiffness can make movement or exercise extremely uncomfortable. Scar tissue can itch severely, and getting enough sleep can be problematic. For facial injuries, hearing, sight, and mouth functions can be impaired. Deeper scar tissue can also cause permanent nerve damage and significant pain.

Several treatment options may be available, such as surgery, laser treatments, and topical ointments. However, most of these options are very expensive. In most cases, several treatment sessions or surgeries are necessary to fully address the disfigurement. If a limb, hearing, or sight is lost, the injury is likely to be permanent.

Can I Get Compensation for Disfigurement?

Most personal injury claims are based on proving that someone else’s negligence directly caused your injuries. In Illinois, if your own degree of fault for causing your accident is less than 50 percent, you can pursue a claim for your damages. However, the amount you could receive is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Damages for disfigurement could include reimbursement for medical treatment costs and other financial losses, as well as compensation for the mental and emotional impacts. The liable insurance company is unlikely to offer a fair settlement amount unless you have a skilled lawyer on your side.

Speak With an Experienced Cook County, IL Disfigurement Attorney

When you suffer harm because of someone else’s negligence, one of the dedicated Northbrook, IL personal injury lawyers from Gruzmark Law, Ltd. will fight to help you collect full compensation. Request your free case review online or by calling 847-729-7660 today.