Scars are permanent reminder of trauma associated with being involved in a car accident. If you’ve suffered scarring in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, Louisiana law allows you to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for accident-related expenses.
About Car Accident Scars
About Car Accident ScarsScars from a car accident can be caused by:
- Shattered glass
- Debris from the vehicle or crash site
- Severely broken bones
- Burns
- Surgical procedures needed to treat injuries, such as organ damage
Scarring can occur on any part of the body, although facial scars are often considered the most troublesome due to the effect they have on someone’s appearance and self-esteem.
Scars after car accident can be grouped into three different categories:
- Keloid scars. These are thick, large, and possibly affect your mobility. They occur when the body continues to produce collagen after the wound has healed.
- Hypertrophic scars. These look similar to keloid scars, but don’t go beyond the original site of injury.
- Contracture scars. These are most often associated with burn injuries after a car accident. With contracture scars, the scar goes deeper than the original injury and can thus affect the muscles and nerves below the surface. This makes the skin become tight and hard to move.
Scars do fade somewhat over time, but there are several options doctors can use to help improve the appearance of a car accident scar. Popular methods include surgical removal and steroid injections. Creams, ointments, and gels can be used to reduce itching and swelling.
If the scar remains after medical treatment, there are special cosmetics that can be used to conceal or minimize the appearance of the scar. Some people also choose to get tattoos that are designed to cover the scar while providing body art that boosts self-esteem.
Personal Injury Compensation for Scars
If your car accident was the result of another driver’s negligence, you’re entitled to compensation for accident-related expenses. If you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still file a personal injury claim. However, your settlement will be proportionally reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
Your settlement can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to treating the injury that caused the scar as well as promoting the healing of the scar
- Any future medical care that your doctor recommends to promote healing of the scar
- Counseling or therapy to deal with the emotional effects of your disfigurement
- Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other mental health medication prescribed by your counselor or therapist
- Lost wages if you had to take time off work due to your injuries
- Loss of future earning potential if your scar causes limited mobility to the extent that you’re no longer able to complete the work you performed previous to the accident
- Pain and suffering
Evidence to Support Your Personal Injury Claim
Many different types of evidence can be used to support your claim for personal injury compensation:
- Copies of medical bills relating to the treatment of your scar
- Documentation of lost wages from your employer
- Photos documenting the change in your scar’s appearance over time
- A journal detailing how scarring and other injuries affected your life
- Testimony from your physician about your treatment needs and anticipated future medical care
- Testimony from your counselor or therapist about the mental health effects you’ve experienced due to your disfigurement
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.