If your work injury leaves you with a scar, or multiple scars, you can be compensated for the fact that your injury has affected you this way. It depends on the severity, the permanency and where the scar located is on your body.
Generally, compensation is available for serious and permanent scars that appear on the hand, head, face, neck, arm and leg (below the knee) or chest (above the breast line). Basically, if your scar is visible when you are wearing knee-length shorts and a v-neck t-shirt, you should qualify for compensation.
The compensation for scarring and disfigurement is usually in the form of a settlement, which is a lump sum that is negotiated between the injured worker and their employer’s insurance company. Negotiations generally take place at least six months after the date of the employee’s injury so that it can be determined whether the scarring is in fact considered “permanent” under the law.
It’s difficult to state any hard and fast rules on how much a scar is worth, since each is different. How much this type of injury is worth can be very subjective. The type of scar, as well as its location, can make a difference. For example, a raised scar may be worth more than one that is not raised. Permanent scarring on the face is generally considered the most serious and results in the most compensation.
In some situations, an injured worker may be able to get compensation for scarring, as well as compensation in the form of other benefits. Other times, only one or the other is available. It can be helpful to have an attorney with experience in scarring and disfigurement cases in order to fully understand your options. The bottom line is that you can, and should, get workers’ compensation for serious, permanent and visible scars caused by a work injury.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
