One significant but often overlooked side effect of a catastrophic injury is the potential for scarring and disfigurement. Disfigurement can impact your physical and emotional well-being, as well as hinder your social and even employment abilities. If you have suffered disfigurement due to another party’s negligence or reckless behavior, you may be compensated for your damages. To learn more about your legal rights and options, reach out to an experienced New York injury lawyer today.
What is Disfigurement?
The word disfigurement refers to any permanent and visible change in a person’s physical appearance as a result of an injury, illness, medical treatment, etc. Any scarring or deformity that is unsightly can be considered a disfigurement, including scars, burns, amputations, facial injuries, and more. Any part of the body can be disfigured after an accident.
Disfigurement can result in both physical and emotional repercussions. Physically, a victim can develop chronic pain, limited mobility, and stiffness. Depending on where the deformity is, it can restrict movement, and the individual may require help for even simple tasks. They may need ongoing medical care or permanent modifications made to their home and vehicle.
The psychological consequences of disfigurement can be even more severe. Depending on the location and severity of the disfigurement, the victim may feel embarrassed and isolate themselves. It can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can manifest in depression and other mental health disorders. The repercussions can impact social interactions, romantic and platonic relationships, and even employment and career opportunities.
Can I Be Compensated for Disfigurement?
Yes, you can be compensated for disfigurement if it resulted from someone else’s negligence or actions. You can recover compensation through an insurance settlement, personal injury lawsuit, or workers’ compensation claim, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
You can recover damages for the actual costs associated with the injury, like surgery, physical therapy, long-term care, and other medical expenses, as well as lost income due to time taken off work for recovery.
However, you can also receive compensation for the emotional consequences of disfigurement. This is a non-economic damage, meaning that there is no inherent monetary expense, but the law still recognizes the loss that has been sustained. Examples of non-economic damages you can collect for disfigurement include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to penalize the defendant for their behavior and discourage them from taking similar actions in the future.
The amount of compensation you are entitled to for disfigurement will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the impact the disfigurement will have on your life. For more information and to secure skilled legal advice, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney today.
