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After a car accident, the primary focus may be on severe injuries like broken bones, concussions, internal organ damage, or debilitating pain. However, scarring causes serious consequences that must be addressed. Whether the result of burns, deep lacerations, or surgical incisions, scars can have a profound impact on your life for years to come.
The Santa Barbara car accident attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have represented clients whose scars from motor vehicle injuries became a central part of their legal case and the compensation they were awarded.
In this article, we explain how California law treats scar-related damages, how to document scarring effectively, and the factors that influence these verdicts and settlements.
The Physical Toll of Scarring
A scar is the body’s natural way of healing after skin or deeper tissues are damaged, but for many crash victims, the healing process leaves behind more than just a physical mark.
Scarring is not just a cosmetic issue. These injuries cause emotional harm, embarrassment, and loss of self-esteem, which can impair a person’s ability to work, exercise, or participate in daily activities.
- Burns can cause tight, inflexible skin that limits mobility in the neck, arms, or legs.
- Surgical scars may remain tender or prone to irritation.
- Nerve damage from the injury or the healing process can lead to chronic pain or numbness.
Documenting Severity for a Legal Claim
Medical Records
Physician notes from the emergency room, plastic surgeons, or dermatologists establish the cause and medical treatment of the scar. These records often include details about the type of injury, the healing process, and any complications.
Expert Dermatology Testimony
Car accident lawyers work with dermatologists to explain the scar’s long-term prognosis, possible future treatments, and whether complete removal is possible. This expert input strengthens a disfigurement legal claim in California.
Photographs
Photographs taken immediately after the injury can later provide powerful evidence. Using consistent lighting and angles help show changes over time.
How California Law Addresses Scar-Related Damages
California personal injury law allows for recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Scarring often falls into both categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the direct financial costs associated with the injury, such as:
- Surgery or skin grafts to reduce the scar
- Laser treatments or other dermatological procedures
- Physical therapy to restore mobility if the scar causes tightening
- Counseling or therapy for emotional trauma
Future treatment costs can be included if your doctor provides a reasonable medical opinion about what will be needed and the projected cost.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the impact of scarring on the patient’s quality of life. These damages may be influenced by the scar’s visibility, size, and permanence, as well as the victim’s age and occupation.
Courts in Santa Barbara may award compensation for:
- Physical pain from the scar
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced self-esteem due to visible disfigurement
One of the challenges in a disfigurement legal claim is explaining to insurers or juries why something they cannot measure in dollars like embarrassment or social withdrawal deserves significant compensation.
To emphasize the emotional impact of scarring, we use:
- Detailed client and witness testimony about daily challenges
- Mental health evaluations that link the scarring to specific psychological effects
- Before-and-after photographs to illustrate the visible change
Factors That Influence Verdicts and Settlements
The compensation awarded in verdicts and settlements for scar accident victims depends on several factors, which may include:
- Severity and location – A facial scar generally has a higher non-economic value than one on a less visible area.
- Type of scar – Keloid or hypertrophic scars may be more disfiguring and painful than flat scars.
- Impact on daily life – If the scar affects movement, work duties, or public interactions, this can increase damages.
- Future treatment – The anticipated need for surgeries, laser therapy, or counseling plays a role in settlement valuation.
Building Strong Scar Accident Cases
At NordstrandBlack PC, we employ effective legal strategies to maximize compensation for clients who are suffering with the affects of scarring:
- Early and thorough documentation – Securing medical records, photographs, and witness statements as soon as possible.
- Expert consultations – Engaging dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and mental health professionals to assess the scar’s impact and future needs.
- Life impact analysis – Demonstrating how the scar affects daily life, career opportunities, and personal relationships.
- Trial readiness – Preparing each case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to stronger settlements.
The Statute of Limitations in California
In most California personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, some types of cases such as claims against government entities, have substantially shorter deadlines. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely, so you will want to talk to a Santa Barbara personal injury attorney right away.
Steps to Take if You Have Accident-Related Scarring
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle crash and sustained scarring:
- Seek immediate medical care and follow treatment plans.
- Photograph your injuries from the beginning and at regular intervals.
- Keep all receipts and records for treatments, therapy, and prescriptions.
- Consult a car accident lawyer who has experience litigating these types of claims.
Reasons to Choose NordstrandBlack PC
Our firm has decades of experience helping Santa Barbara residents recover compensation for serious injuries, including scarring from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. We understand the medical, emotional, and legal complexities of these cases, and we prepare each claim with the thoroughness needed to succeed in negotiations or trial.
Renée J. Nordstrand-Black is rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo, and she was awarded the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
We believe that a scar accident settlement should reflect the full extent of your loss, not just the cost of treatment, but the personal impact that scarring has on your life.
Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Santa Barbara
If you or a loved one has suffered scarring from a motor vehicle accident in Santa Barbara, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and future care.
Call (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation today.
NordstrandBlack PC will evaluate your case, gather essential evidence needed, and pursue the compensation you deserve.