Lacerations and scarring can significantly impact a person’s life, affecting their physical and mental health as well as their appearance. If a third party’s negligent actions caused such injuries, this may give rise to laceration and scarring claims. If you would like to pursue such a claim, you may seek the support of our excellent solicitors at Accident Claims.
Key Takeaways
- Lacerations are deep cuts in the skin and tissue, often resulting from blunt trauma. Permanent scar tissue develops from this as the skin naturally heals.
- Scarring and lacerations can physically, mentally and cosmetically affect those who suffer from them, typically causing long-lasting damage.
- Scars and lacerations can result from car crashes or malfunctioning machinery.
- If claiming compensation for your harm and losses, you must collect evidence such as medical reports and photographs, and claim within 3 years.
- At Accident Claims, we have a specialist team of solicitors who may help you claim compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
Contact Us
Contact our advisors today to begin the laceration and scar claims process with our excellent solicitors by:
- Calling them on 0800 073 8801 to go over the details of your accident to find out if you can claim
- Contacting us online
- Sending them a message on a private live chat to ask them any questions regarding your claim
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Jump To A Section
- What Are Laceration Injuries And Scars?
- Who Is Eligible To Make Laceration And Scarring Claims?
- What Accidents Could Result In Laceration And Scarring?
- Criminal Laceration And Scarring Claims
- How Severe Could A Laceration Or Scar Be?
- Laceration Injury Claims And Scar Compensation Amounts
- What Do I Need To Claim Compensation For Laceration And Scarring?
- No Win No Fee Laceration Injury And Scar Compensation Claims
- Scarring Injury Claims And Laceration Injury Claims FAQs
- Essential Resources Relating To Laceration Injury Claims
What Are Laceration Injuries And Scars?
Lacerations, cuts, and grazes are wounds that tear the top layer of the skin and separate it from the deeper layers. Some lacerations are also deeper, separating both layers of the skin. Anyone can suffer from such injuries anywhere on their body, causing pain, bleeding, redness and sometimes infections. For more serious lacerations, medical assistance is important to clean the wound and prevent infections, scarring, and further harm.
Scars are marks on the skin that form naturally during the healing process of lacerations. For most permanent scars, this leaves a cosmetic defect often causing pain, discomfort and psychological harm. There is no specific treatment to remove scars permanently. However, there are some methods used to reduce their appearance, such as silicone gels, laser therapy, and skin camouflage.
If you suffered from a laceration injury or scarring in an incident that was not your fault, contact us to find out if you are eligible for a compensation payout.
Who Is Eligible To Make Laceration And Scarring Claims?
Anyone who has suffered a laceration or scar due to the negligent actions of a third party is eligible to make laceration and scarring claims. However, they must meet the personal injury claims eligibility requirements and prove that:
- They were owed a duty of care by the third party
- The third party was negligent and breached this duty
- This resulted in the individual’s laceration injury or scar
You are owed a duty of care in many situations, as this is a legal responsibility to ensure your reasonable health and safety. However, when those responsible for ensuring your safety commit a negligent act or omission, they breach their duty. If such actions result in your laceration injuries or scarring, you may be eligible to pursue a claim. In the next section, we discuss the various incidents in which you are owed a duty of care and what that duty entails.
Contact us today to find out if you are eligible to claim compensation for your suffering with our excellent solicitors at Accident Claims.
What Accidents Could Result In Laceration And Scarring?
Accidents such as severe car crashes, malfunctioning machinery and defective equipment could all result in laceration and scarring injuries. Below, we provide more in-depth examples.
Accidents At Work
Accidents at work may result in employees sustaining laceration and scarring injuries if employers fail to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety, per their duty of care listed within the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. For example, such incidents may arise if:
- An employer fails to provide a cleaner with protective gloves while working with hazardous chemicals. If the cleaner sustained burn injuries to their hands that cause permanent scarring, this may give rise to a claim.
- An employer fails to complete a safety check on tools on a construction site. So, a worker may be instructed to operate an electric saw without knowing it is faulty. As a result, the saw may start up with too much power, causing the worker to lose control and sustain a severe laceration to his arm.
Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents occur every day, and could cause road users to sustain laceration and scarring injuries. Such accidents arise when road users fail to use the roads in a safe and reasonable manner, as is their duty of care. Per their duty of care, they must also abide by the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988. Examples of how laceration and scarring injuries could be suffered include:
- A cyclist may be safely riding along a bicycle lane when a road user negligently fails to check the mirrors before overtaking another vehicle, colliding into the cyclist. This may cause the cyclist to fall off and sustain large leg injuries, including lacerations and scarring due to gravel on the road.
- A road user may negligently drive out of a side road onto a main road when it is unsafe to do so, causing a collision. If this causes the front window of the oncoming vehicle to smash, glass fragments may cause the driver to sustain facial injuries, lacerations and scarring.
Accidents In Public
Accidents in public places could lead to lacerations and scars if the occupier (party in control) of the public space doesn’t take steps to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors, per their duty of care within the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Such incidents may occur if:
- The council fails to fix a raised pavement along a dull road within a reasonable time after receiving reports of it. As a result, a person may be walking along on an evening, fail to see the defect and fall, sustaining a laceration to their arm due to debris on the pavement.
- A shop assistant may fail to clean up a broken glass jar on a supermarket floor or fail to place any warning signs near it. As a result, a customer wearing sandals suffered cuts to their feet after not spotting the broken glass, which was not signposted.
If you were involved in an accident and suffered from lacerations and scarring, contact us to find out if you can claim compensation for your injuries.
Criminal Laceration And Scarring Claims
If you were harmed in a violent act, you may be able to pursue a criminal injury claim for lacerations and scarring. Such claims are typically made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
To be eligible to make a claim, you must be able to prove that:
- The incident occurred in England, Scotland, Wales or another relevant place (such as a vessel registered to one of these countries)
- The injuries were suffered within a crime of violence, such as an assault
- The incident was reported to the police
- You claim within 2 years of the incident (however, there are exceptions to this time limit)
You may claim compensation for scarring, lacerations and psychological harm that resulted from the violent attack under a CICA claim.
CICA Scarring And Laceration Payout Amounts
Compensation payouts for scarring and lacerations in CICA claims are valued in line with a fixed tariff that is laid out under The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. The table below provides examples of payouts for scarring from this tariff. Please be aware that the top entry is the maximum amount the CICA will pay for any type of claim made through them.
| Injury | Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe criminal injuries with special expenses and lost earnings | Up to £500,000 | Compensation for suffering up to 3 criminal injuries, lost earnings and special expenses such as care costs. |
| Facial Scarring | £11,000 | Serious disfigurement |
| £2,400 | Significant disfigurement | |
| Neck Scarring | £4,600 | Serious disfigurement |
| £1,500 | Significant disfigurement | |
| Head Scarring | £3,500 | Serious disfigurement |
| £1,500 | Significant disfigurement | |
| Upper Limb Scarring | £3,500 | Serious disfigurement |
| £1,000 | Significant disfigurement | |
| Torso Scarring | £3,500 | Serious disfigurement |
| £1,000 | Significant disfigurement | |
| Lower Limb Scarring | £3,500 | Serious disfigurement |
| £1,000 | Significant disfigurement |
You may also be able to receive compensation for certain financial losses under special expenses, as well as for any loss of earnings, but specific eligibility requirements will need to be met.
Contact our advisors today to learn more about criminal laceration and scar injury claims and compensation payouts.
How Severe Could A Laceration Or Scar Be?
Lacerations and scarring may have a minor or severe impact on a person, depending on the extent of the injury. However, they generally all affect people physically, mentally and cosmetically.
Minor lacerations and scar injuries tend to heal quickly and leave minimal scarring. Although some must be cleaned to prevent infections, they often do not require medical attention.
However, more serious lacerations and scar injuries tend to have a more significant impact on individuals. For example, they may result in infections, require long-term treatment, cause permanent cosmetic defects and result in serious psychological harm and financial losses.
Discuss the circumstances of your scarring or laceration injury with our advisors today to find out if you are entitled to compensation for your suffering.
Laceration Injury Claims And Scar Compensation Amounts
Scar compensation amounts for laceration injury claims could vary between £2,080 to £118,790 for facial scarring, depending upon severity, according to the figures within the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).
The JCG is a document used alongside an independent medical assessor’s report of your injuries by your solicitor when valuing your claim for general damages, as it contains compensation guidelines for a range of injuries. General damages are awarded for any physical or psychological harm you suffered due to the incident.
The table below contains examples of suggestive compensation figures from the JCG that may be applicable for laceration and scarring claims. However, the figures are suggestive and are not guaranteed. Additionally, the first entry has not come from the JCG.
Injury Compensation Notes
Multiple Serious Injuries and Significant Financial Losses Up to £250,000 plus For multiple laceration and scarring injuries that are serious and impose significant financial losses such as medical expenses, travel costs and lost earnings.
Severe Psychiatric Damage £66,920 to £141,240 Factors considered for such brackets include the claimant’s ability to cope with life, education or work, how it affects their relationships and the success of their treatment and prognosis.
Burns that Cover 40% or More of the Body Likely to exceed £127,930 The factors that determine this award include the percentage of the body covered by the burns, the thickness and cosmetic impact of them, the need for surgery, physical disability and psychological impact.
Several Laceration Scars to the Body that are Noticeable or a Disfiguring Scar £9,560 to £27,740 The higher end of the bracket is typical for a number of scars that are noticeable or a single disfiguring one to the chest, back, leg(s), arm(s) or hand(s).
Scarring to the Body Without Internal Significant Injuries In the region of £10,550 This may be considered if a laparotomy was performed without evidence of a significant internal injury. The bracket typically depends on the inevitability of a scar.
A Noticeable Scar on the Body or Several Superficial Ones £2,890 to £9,560 This award may be considered for one noticeable scar or a few superficial scars causing a minimal cosmetic deficit.
Very Severe Facial Scarring £36,340 to £118,790 Typically considered for claimants under the age of 30 who suffer disfiguring facial scarring and severe psychological harm.
Less Severe Facial Scarring £21,920 to £59,090 Considered for substantial disfigurement and significant psychological suffering.
Significant Facial Scarring £11,120 to £36,720 These brackets may be considered if cosmetic surgery reduced the severity of the scarring but some still remains causing psychological harm.
Less Significant Facial Scarring £4,820 to £16,770 This may be considered for one scar or a number of small ones causing minimal psychological harm.
Special Damages In Lacerations And Scarring Claims
Special damages could also be awarded in lacerations and scarring claims for any associated financial losses you have suffered.
Some examples of losses you may claim for under special damages include:
- Missed wages for any time off work
- Lost work benefits, such as bonuses
- Medical costs, such as payments for skin grafts
- Payments for mental health services, such as therapy
- Travel costs for going to and from appointments
- Costs towards any scar creams, gels or coverings
It is best to keep a record of any financial losses you incur as a result of your injuries to support your claim. This may include bank statements, receipts, bills and payslips.
Get in touch with our advisors for more specific examples of how much compensation you may be awarded for a successful claim.
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What Do I Need To Claim Compensation For Laceration And Scarring?
You need to obtain evidence when claiming compensation for laceration and scarring. This is any information that illustrates how the third party breached their duty of care, causing your injuries.
Examples of evidence that may support such claims include:
- Copies of your medical records that state your injuries
- Information regarding treatment, skin grafts and prescriptions
- Psychologist reports regarding your mental health
- Photographs of your injuries and the accident scene
- CCTV or dashcam footage of the accident
- The accident report book the incident was noted in
- The contact details of witnesses
- The contact information, insurance information and vehicle registration of any drivers involved (if injured in a road traffic accident)
If pursuing a claim, you must do so within 3 years of sustaining your injury. This time limit is set out within the Limitation Act 1980. There are exceptions to this, and you can learn more about them by reading our time limit guide.
For more information on what you need to claim compensation for a laceration and scarring, please ask our friendly advisors.
No Win No Fee Laceration Injury And Scar Compensation Claims
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may pursue a No Win No Fee laceration injury and scar compensation claim with one of our solicitors. No Win No Fee refers to the cost of hiring legal representation. Our solicitors specifically work under the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you won’t need to pay them for their services upfront, as the claim is underway, or if it fails.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will take a small success fee from your compensation. The percentage that can be charged as this success is subject to a legal cap to ensure the majority of the compensation stays with you.
It may be worth gaining legal representation from our highly educated and experienced solicitors at Accident Claims, as they will:
- Explain the entire claims process in simple terms
- Support you throughout each stage of the claim
- Help you access medical and mental health services
- Utilise their skills to help you obtain the highest compensation payout you are eligible for
- Set you up on a path to recovery to get your life back on track
Start Your Laceration Injury And Scar Claim Today
Contact our advisors today to pursue a compensation claim for your laceration injury and scar by:
- Calling them on 0800 073 8801 to discuss the circumstances of your injury and scarring
- Messaging them on a private live chat to ask any questions or learn more about the claims process
- Contacting us online
Scarring Injury Claims And Laceration Injury Claims FAQs
Below, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding scarring and laceration injury claims.
Can I Sue For Scarring?
If you or a loved one happens to endure scarring due to the fault of a third party, then a compensation claim could be a suitable course of action.
How Much Can I Claim For A Scar?
You could potentially receive between £36,340 to £118,790 for very severe facial scarring (applicable to younger claimants) according to figures within the JCG.
Could I Claim For Scarring On Behalf Of My Child?
Yes, you could claim on behalf of your child at any point prior to their 18th birthday (as this is when they would have 3 years to make their own claim) by acting as their litigation friend.
What Is Permanent Disfigurement?
This is where the victim’s appearance has been altered, resulting in permanent scarring that will not fade.
Could Laceration Injury Claims Be Made For Clinical Negligence?
Yes, if you have suffered unnecessary harm, such as a laceration or scarring, due to receiving negligent care or treatment from a medical professional, you could make a claim.
Do I Need A Local Solicitor To Make Laceration Injury Claims?
You do not need to work with a local solicitor to make a laceration injury claim. It is best to find a solicitor who specialises and has experience in the specific type of claim you wish to make, such as our solicitors.
Essential Resources Relating To Laceration Injury Claims
Here are some essential guides regarding laceration injury claims so that you can learn more about them:
- Advice for permanent scar compensation payouts
- Access our facial scarring compensation calculator
- Read our case study about a £250,000 mental health payout
References:
- Find your nearest urgent care centre, NHS.UK
- Access mental health services, NHS.UK
- Learn more about statutory sick pay, GOV.UK
Thank you for reading our guide on laceration and scarring claims.
