Surgery Scars: Do They Count as “Disfigurement” in a Bronx Car Accident Lawsuit?

Various car accident injuries in the Bronx can lead to surgery, and these surgical procedures may lead to surgical scars. While some surgical scars are virtually invisible, others may affect your self-esteem and your general psychological well-being. Can you pursue additional compensation for these blemishes? Do surgical scars “count” as disfigurements in the context of auto accident lawsuits? You might want to raise these questions with an experienced car accident lawyer in the Bronx.

Key Takeaways

• Surgical scars can become unsightly blemishes in certain situations
• Certain treatments may remove or conceal surgical scars
• Some surgical scars count as permanent disfigurements

Recovering From Keloid Scars After Car Accidents

A keloid scar forms when the surgical incision causes the development of thick, raised skin. This scar is quite fibrous and noticeable. Unlike other types of scars, keloids can expand further than the actual wound, becoming even more noticeable over time.

Although keloids can be embarrassing, irritating, and painful, you can address them with certain types of procedures. A doctor might simply cut the keloid out. They might also attempt to address the issue with steroid injections. Speak with a doctor to determine the right option for you.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are also concerning for patients after surgery. Unlike keloid scars, these scars stay within the original area of the incision or wound. Although they did not expand, they can still be unsightly and demoralizing for patients.

Some Scars Take a Long Time to Form 

Patients should be aware that surgical scars can take months to form. Even if you initially assume that your surgical scars will eventually fade, you might develop hypertrophic or keloid scars at a later date. As a result, you might want to wait several months before accepting a settlement or moving forward with your claim. In other words, you need to wait until maximum medical improvement (MMI). Until you reach this stage in your recovery, it is impossible to determine whether your scars will become permanent, unsightly blemishes.

Scars in Certain Places Are Worse Than Others

While all unsightly surgical scars can be distressing, their location may make the psychological effects worse. For example, a scar on your face is bound to cause more distress than a scar on your leg or back. You can always cover up the affected area of your body, but you can’t really cover your face. That being said, you might also feel distraught if you like to wear somewhat revealing clothes and you are embarrassed about a scar on your leg, stomach, or back.

Can a Bronx Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me Get Fair Compensation?

If you’re concerned about any disfigurements that occurred as a direct result of your crash, you should speak with an experienced Bronx car accident lawyer. These legal professionals can help you determine whether you might be able to pursue additional compensation for the psychological aspects of your surgical scars. Continue this conversation alongside Cohan Law, PLLC for more information.

Sources: 

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21466-hypertrophic-scar

verywellhealth.com/plastic-surgery-bad-scars-2710210