Getting Justice for Disfiguring Injuries

Common Examples of Disfiguring Injuries

A disfiguring injury leaves your body looking different than it appeared before the injury. Sometimes, the disfigurement is small and barely noticeable. Other times, it is apparent to all that you sustained a disfiguring injury. Some common ways that you could be disfigured in an accident include:

Burns

A burn can result from heat, radiation, or chemicals coming into contact with the skin. While superficial burns may heal completely, deeper burns can leave visible scarring on the affected skin. Aside from being visible, some scarring is physically painful and can limit the functionality of the affected body part.

Amputations

Losing a limb in an accident is an obvious disfiguring injury that can have a physical and emotional impact on the victim. In some cases, the loss of the limb is sudden and occurs in the moment, such as when a defective machine severs a person’s finger. Other times, the damage an accident causes to a body part necessitates an amputation.

Fractured Bones

Breaking a bone is a common injury that often heals without any permanent effect. However, a bone fractured in multiple places might not heal properly, especially if the victim does not get prompt medical care. This can lead to an obvious deformity, such as a person who walks with a limp following a car accident.

These and other examples of disfigurement are alike in that they can cause continuing emotional trauma to the victim. A person with scarring may refrain from going out in public. Similarly, someone with a leg deformity following a broken bone may feel self-conscious about their limp when walking in public.

If you or your loved one sustained a disfiguring injury in any sort of Texas personal injury, the caring team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, wants to help. Let us tell your story and help you get compensation for the continuing harm from your injuries.

How Damages for Disfigurement Are Determined

When a person suffers disfigurement because of another’s negligence, getting compensation for medical bills and lost wages is only part of the process. The victim deserves to have their emotional trauma acknowledged and compensated as well. In order to arrive at a fair value for the victim’s emotional harm, the judge or jury will consider several factors.

The Obviousness of the Disfigurement

The more obvious the disfiguring injury is to another person, the more compensation it deserves. For example, one would expect facial scarring to be more obvious and thus result in a greater compensation award than losing one’s pinky toe.

Any Limitations Caused by the Disfigurement

Next, the court will consider the practical effects of the disfigurement. For example, a lost hand or foot will physically impact what the victim can do. Conversely, scarring on the back of the hand may not result in as much compensation because it does not necessarily limit the victim’s use of the hand.

The Victim’s Unique Emotional Experience

Finally, a court will take into account how the disfiguring injury emotionally impacts the victim. Even victims who have the same disfigurement will not experience the same emotional response. One might be embarrassed and self-conscious, while another may be more resilient and able to engage in public life.