Chicago Scarring and Disfigurement Lawyer

Recover Compensation for Permanent Scars and Disfigurement

A Chicago scarring and disfigurement lawyer from our firm is crucial for winning these complex personal injury cases. If you were attacked by a dog on the South Side or burned in a factory accident along Diversey Avenue, the Chicago Injury Center will ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation about the legal process.

Scarring Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,200,000: Mason, a toddler living in McKinley Park, was attacked by his relative’s Doberman Pinscher, resulting in facial scarring. We secured a settlement for reconstructive surgery and counseling.

$510,000: While cycling to work along State Street, Bruce was struck by a car making a left-hand turn. This resulted in a mild traumatic brain injury and facial disfigurement.

$380,000: Tiyesha was walking her dog near Logan Square when a loose dog attacked her. She required two facial reconstructive surgeries and several dermal abrasions, resulting in long-term pain and suffering.

Why Hire Chicago Injury Center

Our firm is a Super Lawyers-rated firm that has secured over $450 million in compensation for our clients, earning us a spot in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With honors such as a 10/10 AVVO rating and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, we are nationally recognized and ready to fight for your rights.

What Accidents Cause Serious Injuries Leading to Scarring or Disfigurement in Chicago?

Car Accidents

In 2023, there were 101,023 car accidents in Chicago alone. Car accident victims may slam their head against the dashboard, resulting in broken teeth or facial injuries, or they may be cut by broken glass.

Burns

Burns can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement that is often difficult to treat. Common causes of disfiguring burns include chemical spills, explosions, and fires.

Animal Bites

Chicago has 22 dogs per 100 people, making it one of the most dog-friendly places in the United States. However, not every dog is friendly, and negligent pet owners can cause life-altering disfigurement by refusing to control their animals.

Workplace Accidents

Every year, thousands of employees are injured in workplace accidents, which can result in permanent disfigurement. Common causes of scarring and disfigurement in workplaces include heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals.

Slips and Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related death and hospitalization in the United States, particularly for older adults. A serious fall can break teeth or lead to facial scarring and disfigurement due to contact with sharp objects.

Medical Malpractice

Surgical errors and improper wound care can result in scarring, which may require revision surgeries.

What Are the Most Common Types of Scars?

• Keloid Scars: These raised, thickened scars extend beyond the borders of the original injury.
• Contracture Scars: A contracture often occurs when large areas of skin have been damaged, causing the skin to contract.
• Hypertrophic Scars: Similar to keloid scars, these are thick, raised scars that can result in significant disfigurement.
• Pitted Scars: Pitted scars occur when there is not enough collagen to rebuild the skin, resulting in sunken depressions.
• Adhesion Scars: This occurs when tissue sticks together, such as after a botched surgery. Internal adhesion scars can cause severe pain and disability.
• Facial Disfigurement: Blunt force trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or major falls may break facial bones or cause lacerations, leading to emotional distress and low self-esteem.
• Loss of Limbs or Body Parts: Amputations, such as those due to occupational injuries, not only cause challenges with daily living but also permanent disfigurement.
• Skin Graft Scars: Skin grafts, whether made of human skin or other materials, often result in raised borders around the graft.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Chicago?

You may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the type of claim you make. Workers’ compensation will cover medical bills, lost wages, and future medical needs.

In addition to covering medical expenses and lost income, a third-party liability suit can provide for non-economic damages. These include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Disability

What Is the Average Payout for Scarring and Disfigurement in Chicago?

The average payout for these cases is $6,934,640, with a range between $1,752 and $181,139,999. Your payout will depend on injury severity, visibility, the victim’s age and occupation, and the emotional impact.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Diane Schachner was walking toward the intersection of Fairbanks Court and Ontario Street when she was hit by a CTA bus. The bus ran over her leg, and she was pinned for nearly 30 minutes before the bus was lifted off her. She suffered significant disfigurement of her leg and settled with the city for
$20,000,000.00.

Sheryl Drapala was being treated for breast cancer at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge when she was accidentally given double the necessary dose of radiation. This resulted in significant radiation burns across her chest, as well as partial paralysis of her right arm. A jury awarded her $16,000,000.00.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

Scarring or disfigurement cases often have high expenses, making insurance companies more likely to fight their liability. Our injury lawyers will work with medical experts, vocational therapists, and other experts to uncover the full cost of your accident and ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Common Are Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries?

In one study, 48.5% of subjects had at least one scar, making them one of the most common types of personal injury in the world. Injuries to the face and abdomen are the most common types of scarring and disfigurement in both men and women.

Where Do Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Common locations for scarring and disfigurement injury cases include:

• Major intersections with high accident rates, like 79th and Stony Island Avenue.
• Industrial job sites in the South Side industrial corridor.
• Factories in West Chicago and Pullman.
• Restaurants in Little Italy or Logan Square.
• Downtown commercial kitchens.
• Public streets like Madison Avenue, particularly in the winter.

What Laws Govern Scarring and Disfigurement Claims in Illinois?

Those who are injured at their workplace can file a claim to recover compensation for medical costs and lost income (820 ILCS 305). This is a no-fault system, but third-party claims require proving negligence.

For car accidents, victims can use the Illinois Vehicle Code to prove liability, such as failing to adhere to the speed limit (625 ILCS 5/). The city itself has a 30 mph speed limit on all terrestrial roads (9-12-070).

Dog bites are regulated by the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/). Illinois law requires that all dogs be leashed, and if a bite occurs, the animal may be confiscated. In the city, dogs must be under the owner’s control at all times (7-12-030).

Those who suffered scarring and disfigurement on someone else’s property can hold them accountable under the Premises Liability Act, which requires property owners to prevent foreseeable harm to others (740 ILCS 130/).

How Long Do Accident Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Chicago?

For workers’ comp, victims have three years after the injury or two years after the last payment from the employer, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6(d)).

Personal injury suits have a statute of limitations of two years in most cases, making it essential that you act quickly (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Who Can Be Liable for a Scarring or Disfigurement Injury in Chicago?

Potential defendants in these cases can include:

• Employers, for workplace injuries
• Negligent drivers
• Property owners
• Animal owners
• Product manufacturers
• Healthcare professionals, for medical malpractice

Our personal injury lawyers will identify any potentially liable parties to ensure that you can receive the highest possible compensation. We’ll also communicate with them on your behalf so that you can focus on healing.

Common Defenses in Scarring and Disfigurement Injury Cases

Insurance companies will use Illinois’s modified comparative negligence statutes to blame you for more than your fair share of the accident to prevent you from earning compensation (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Our lawyers will use evidence like medical records, accident reports, and eyewitness statements to prove you were not primarily responsible.

They will also state that the scarring or disfigurement was pre-existing or unrelated to the incident, which can be disputed through photos of you before the accident, testimony from medical professionals, and medical treatment records.

Lastly, insurance companies will claim that your treatments are unnecessary. However, we can dispute this through your personal testimony and expert opinions from healthcare providers about the emotional pain these injuries can cause.

How to Strengthen Your Scarring and Disfigurement Personal Injury Claim

You must take fast action to support your claim. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Visit a specialized treatment center, like UChicago Medicine’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, for a full evaluation.
• Gather contact information of those who were present at the scene.
• Document your injury and its healing process through photographs.
• Obtain your medical records and surgical recommendations.
• Follow your treatment plan and keep track of your treatments through a pain diary.
• Secure psychological treatment if you suffer from emotional trauma.
• Do not post on social media or talk about your case with third parties.
• Do not speak to insurance companies without your attorneys.

How Our Scarring and Disfigurement Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our team will guide you through the entire legal process, including:

• Investigating the accident and documenting negligence through accident reports.
• Evaluating your damages, including non-economic damages like reduced quality of life.
• Consulting with plastic surgeons and other healthcare professionals to assess your future needs.
• Communicating with third parties on your behalf, including coordinating multiple claims if necessary.
• Negotiating for full compensation based on the evidence.
• If necessary, filing a claim with the Circuit Court of Cook County.

FAQs

How do I prove disfigurement?

Evidence that will support your case includes photos of you before the incident, treatment records, incident reports, and health provider testimony.

How much does a Chicago scarring and disfigurement attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win.

Can I recover damages for emotional distress caused by disfigurement?

Yes, if you are filing a personal injury claim. Per the court case Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, there is no statutory cap on non-economic damages, including emotional trauma.

Will my case value increase if the scar is visible?

Yes, cases with visible scarring often receive more. This is especially true for the face and hands.

Why is immediate medical attention important after a severe injury?

Prompt medical treatment can prevent permanent scarring, and it also demonstrates continuation of care, which can help you win your case.

Call Us to Book a Free Consultation

Serious injuries with visible scarring can significantly impact your quality of life, resulting in long-term pain and self-esteem issues. Our award-winning attorneys fight for our clients on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. We represent clients statewide, including in Cook County and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.