Last year a young college student was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck at the intersection of 63rd Street and Paseo Boulevard. The young man was immediately taken to Research Medical Center, where he was treated for head, back, and facial injuries. While the head and back injuries were treated quickly and did not require follow-up treatment, lacerations and puncture wounds caused a good deal of scarring to his chin, just below his lower lip. Although the scarring has improved with time, it is still very noticeable. It is now time to evaluate what constitutes a fair and full legal recovery for the young man against the insurance company for the driver at fault.
When considering a personal injury case that involves permanent scarring, it is important that the attorney for the victim consider the options for additional plastic surgery that may help eliminate the disfigurement. The first place to start is with a plastic surgery consultation. Ordinarily, a plastic surgeon will be able to discuss several different options to help improve the appearance. This is particularly important when the scarring is on the face or forehead.
Because our law firm has handled numerous facial scarring cases over the years, we have become familiar with several types of scar revision procedures. Here are some of the more common options that should be considered in all cases when an accident victim has visible scarring and over 6 months has passed since the laceration onset. Scar Revision is a common option that may be possible in many cases. The prior scar is removed and the wound is reclosed with the objective being a new smaller, less visible scar. Other options include:
CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Dermabrasion, Excisional Scar Revision, Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Laser Photothermolysis,
Whatever the circumstance it is important the attorney for the victim consider all the possibilities. If the victim proceeds with a scar revision procedure, the cost of that procedure must be reimbursed through the settlement or legal recovery. While the procedures are expensive, the improved disfigurement is worth it many times over. We all know that scarring and other disfigurement can deeply impact a person’s mental and emotional quality of life for many years.
If you or a family member is dealing with a personal injury claim that involves scarring or disfigurement, it is always best you seek legal representation from an attorney who has had experience with these types of cases and is familiar with plastic surgery options. Remember, most claims afford only one recovery, so it must be a fair and full recovery.
