Scarring and Disfigurement in Car Accidents

Scarring and disfigurement in car accidents can cause permanent injuries. In addition to the physical impact of a disfiguring injury, the psychological impact is also severe. Most car accidents, and the accompanying injuries, are the result of a negligent act. When this is the case, those who have engaged in negligence should be held accountable for the harm caused. Miami car accident attorney Robert Dixon represents those who have suffered disfigurement or scarring in personal injury claims against those responsible. Surgeries, time off work, as well as other rehabilitative efforts can be costly. Mr. Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure the party who has acted wrongly pays these costs. Our firm works with our clients every step of the way. We can help investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and we will continue to fight for your rights until the conclusion of any necessary litigation. We serve clients in Miami as well as other communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

Disfigurement refers to an injury that impairs or negatively affects a victim’s physical appearance. Disfiguring injuries include burns, lacerations, as well as amputations. The defining characteristic is that scarring remains permanently, after the actual injury has fully healed. When a victim is disfigured, the physical as well as emotional and psychological recovery can be long-term.

Treatments such as surgeries, especially for facial injuries, may include skin grafts and other complicated measures. When a victim loses a limb, they may be fitted for prosthesis, along with having to learn how to adjust to using it. Rehabilitative measures including physical and occupational therapy, and ongoing psychological care are necessary for almost all victims. These treatments also come with accompanying expenses, which should be paid by those who have caused the injury.

Car crashes are many times caused by a driver’s negligence. Negligence is the legal standard that has to be met in order for plaintiffs to prevail in a personal injury suit. The elements that need to be proved in these cases are, for one, that a defendant has breached a duty of reasonable care owed to a plaintiff. All motorists and road users owe others a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would under the same or similar circumstances. Some examples of a breach of this duty are excessively speeding, failure to yield the right of way, aggressive maneuvers, and other acts of carelessness. A plaintiff must also show that this breach was the cause of their disfiguring injuries and resulted in damages.

Another responsible party in a car accident could be the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or part. If a defect was the reason for the collision, and injuries therefrom, the manufacturer is strictly liable for the harm caused by that defect. In Florida, even victims who have acted negligently in causing their own injuries can still receive damages from another responsible party. Courts will award compensation to an injured victim in proportion to each party’s degree of fault. Compensation for disfigurement injuries may include past and future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering damages in some cases.

Dealing with a disfiguring or scarring injury is hard enough on its own. To compound that stress with worrying about your legal rights can be overwhelming. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Attorney Robert Dixon is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support for injured clients throughout Miami and South Florida. If you need help determining your legal rights following a serious car accident, please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or online today. We can schedule a free, no obligation consultation so you can learn more about how we can help.