Scarring and Disfigurement Lawyer

Scarring and disfigurement caused by an accident can have a devastating physical impact on victims who suffer horrific pain, limited range of motion, diminished quality of life, nerve sensitivity, and many other effects.

However, there are significant psychological implications as well.

Scars are a visual reminder of a terrible experience, they can be a source of embarrassment and disfigurement impacts self-esteem.

Experts who study the psychology of scars note that many people face extreme depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects their personal relationships, employment opportunities, and other aspects of their lives.

When the negligence of others is to blame in an accident that causes long-term damage, you need a scarring and disfigurement lawyer who will aggressively pursue those responsible for causing the harm.

Some general information on these types of claims may also be useful.

How Scarring and Disfigurement Happens

Burns can lead to catastrophic injuries and they are often linked to scarring, especially where surgery is required to help a victim recover. Additional types of scarring and disfigurement can occur as a result of:

• Car crashes that cause serious cuts, gashes, and lacerations;
• Truck accidents, particularly when the cargo is a hazardous substance;
• Motorcycle collisions that cause road rash to exposed skin, an extremely painful injury that has characteristics of both a burn and a severe abrasion;
• Slip and fall incidents and premises-based injuries, including fires or explosions;
• Defective products, where a flaw causes electrical or chemical burns; and,
• Many other circumstances indicate that someone breached a legal duty of care.

Types of Scars that Cause Disfigurement

Scarring and disfigurement can take many forms and medical experts classify them according to different factors, such as:

• Keloid Scars: This form of disfigurement is caused by the excessive growth of scar tissue over the injury location. They are quite painful and can affect mobility when they develop around joints. Keloid scars often require scar revision surgery or treatment with liquid nitrogen.
• Hypertrophic Scars: These may develop when excess collagen fibers essentially pull tissue across the injured area through the process of healing. They are raised and reddish in color, and may require injections or steroid administration to treat inflammation, tenderness, sensitivity, and uncomfortable itching.
• Contracture Scars: This type of scarring is the result of a burn injury and, regardless of the degree of burn, leads to the highest level of disfigurement. They impact the victim’s range of motion because the skin around the injury tightens up. Plastic surgery, including skin grafts, is usually necessary.

Injections, surgical procedures, and other medical care may reduce the disfigurement caused by scars, but some damage may be beyond repair. In addition to treatment for physical conditions, victims often require intense psychological therapy to cope with the emotional effects of scarring and disfigurement.

Consult with a Skilled Scarring and Disfigurement Attorney Today

If you were hurt in an accident and suffered scarring and disfigurement, please contact the personal injury lawyers at GJEL Accident Attorneys. We can schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and explain your legal options for recovering compensation. Our firm maintains offices in Oakland, San Jose, Hayward, or other convenient locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, which you can reach by calling (925) 253-5800 or toll-free 1-855-508-9565.