Pursuing Damages for Scarring and Disfigurement in a North Carolina Personal Injury Case

January 31, 2023

North Carolina Personal Injury

The purpose of a North Carolina personal injury claim or lawsuit is to make the victim “whole” again, the way they were prior to the accident. This means the at-fault party is liable for any medical expenses for injury treatments and lost wages if the victim was unable to work while recovering.

Unfortunately, there are many cases where the victim doesn’t make a full recovery. There may be permanent damage, including some kind of scarring and/or disfigurement. In some situations, the victim may have suffered amputation of a limb. No matter what type of scarring or disfigurement has resulted, the victim is also entitled to financial compensation for these losses, as well.

Different Types of Scars

There are different types of scars that people can suffer and each one may require different treatments:

  • Hypertrophic scars – When there are too many collagen fibers during the healing process, the victim can develop a hypertrophic scar. These scars are raised from the skin, can be very sensitive to contact, and may cause itching.
  • Keloid scars – When scar tissue develops around the injury area, this is referred to as a keloid scar. These scars are often very painful for the victim. Typically, scar revision surgery is necessary for removal.
  • Contracture scars – This type of scar is the most disfiguring and is often formed in victims of burn victims. When a large area of skin is lost, the tissue around the injury melds together and creates an area of very tight skin, often impacting the victims’s nerves and muscles. Victims who have contracture scars also suffer from chronic pain and severe disfigurement and require plastic surgery to help alleviate their suffering.

Contact a North Carolina Accident Attorney Today

Any type of accident has the potential to cause injuries that will leave the victim with scarring or disfigurement. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can all cause deep cuts and lacerations that leave permanent scarring. Vehicle accidents, as well as electrical accidents, defective product accidents, and premises liability accidents all have the potential to cause burn injuries that often leave heavy scarring. Accident victims can also suffer the amputation of a limb or a body part that is crushed or severed.

Scarring and disfigurement can have a significant impact on the victim’s ability to perform daily activities, work, or even enjoy life. In addition to the medical bills and lost wages mentioned above, victims may able be able to pursue damages for the pain and suffering their injuries have caused, the emotional anguish that the accident, injuries, and resulting scarring or disfigurement the victim has been left with. There may also be damages available for loss of quality of life.

A North Carolina personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and determine what type of damages you may be entitled to. To learn more, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free and confidential consultation and find out what legal options you may have.

 

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