If you sustained facial scarring and disfigurement from a car accident, you may be struggling with both physical and emotional injuries and worrying about your options. You may be worried about the potential for cosmetic surgery and whether surgical intervention can be successful. You may also be worried about the expense of surgery itself, lost wages, and other costs involved in recovery.
A car accident can be a devastating experience, but if it was the result of another’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a claim to receive compensation for your injury-related costs, such as surgery and pain and suffering. For help with a claim, talk to Jason Schultz at 404-474-0804.
How does facial scarring occur in car accidents?
In an accident, you may sustain a facial laceration due to broken glass, flying debris, or impact with an object, such as the window, steering wheel, or car door. A laceration will likely result in bleeding, swelling, and/or bruising.
While facial scarring is a sign of healing, it can lead to a host of other problems.
What are the effects of facial scarring?
The physical effects of facial scarring are easy to identify. The scars can result in prolonged discomfort, misalignment, difficulties in seeing, speaking, smelling, eating, drinking, or other usual life activities.
Depending on the severity of the scars, it may be difficult or almost impossible for an individual to maintain ordinary life's activities if she suffers facial scarring. Individuals may also struggle emotional effects such as depression, negative body image, and marital problems.
But there are other effects as well. Psychologically, the impact of facial scarring can be devastating. People tend to focus on appearance in society, so any significant "deviation" from the norm leads suffering individuals to feel further alienation and, in some cases, devalued.
It can limit a victim's social interactions if she feels uncomfortable interacting with others or feels that she is making others feel uncomfortable. Professionally, depending on the victim's line of work, facial scarring can lead to loss of income and opportunities.
What is the treatment for facial lacerations and scarring?
Immediate treatment of these lacerations may require:
- Cleaning and irrigation of the wound
- Removal of any debris or foreign material
- Cosmetic surgery to complete any needed repairs to torn muscle, tissue, or skin if necessary
- Administration of antibiotics to protect against infection
- Injection of a tetanus shot to protect against disease
- Delivery of pain medication to manage symptoms of pain
Long-term treatment may include the need for future cosmetic surgery. This will mean time lost from work, additional expenses, and additional recovery.
What should I do and expect before and after surgery?
If you are having surgery it is important that you:
- Pick up any prescriptions you will need after surgery beforehand. You may not feel up to going to the pharmacy after surgery.
- Give up smoking before surgery to support proper circulation and healing.
- Prepare to keep your head elevated as much as possible, even in sleep.
- Follow doctor's orders with respect to lifting restrictions in order to keep your blood pressure from rising too much.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Think about having someone with you before and after the surgery for support.
Who is responsible for paying for treatment for facial scarring?
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation not only for the economic costs of the injuries but for the emotional damages and pain and suffering as well.
Your recovery may include any or all of the following:
- Present or future medical expenses (for treatment, testing, rehabilitation, or therapies)
- Compensation for any disfigurement or permanent impairment as a result of the facial scarring
- Compensation for any mental, emotional, or physical pain and suffering
Dealing with the results of an accident, especially when they involve facial scarring, disfigurement, or surgery can be difficult. Do not make your recovery even more difficult by trying to file a car accident all by yourself.
Speak with a car accident attorney from the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C. for help managing your accident claim.
Contact Jason today for a free, no-obligation consultation: 404-474-0804.