Facing a scarring and disfigurement lawsuit means fighting for compensation that goes far beyond surface-level injuries. When an accident leaves a permanent mark, victims often endure a lifetime of psychological trauma, expensive revision surgeries, and a diminished capacity to enjoy life. If you or a loved one has suffered a permanent disfigurement due to someone else’s negligence, the permanent disfigurement settlement amount may depend on the severity of the injury, its long-term effects, and the damages you have suffered. The personal injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can help you understand what your claim may be worth and pursue compensation for your losses. Call 800-538-4878 for a FREE case review.

What’s the Average Settlement for Scarring or Permanent Disfiguring?

How much compensation you get for a scarring or permanent disfigurement settlement in Florida varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our own settlement data on this page, the average settlement for scarring or permanent disfigurement is between $75,000 to $250,000.

Examples of the Average Payout for Scarring and Permanent Disfigurement Amounts

$75,000 Settlement for Permanent Disfigurement and Facial Scarring

Our client was working as a dog sitter when this unfortunate incident occurred. As part of her work, she would regularly meet with prospective clients and their dogs before accepting a job. On the day of the incident, she was meeting with a new client and her dog when the dog suddenly bit her in the face and lip, causing a Level 3 dog bite.

After our client hired our firm, we conducted an initial client conference, obtained the facts surrounding the incident, secured information about her treatment, and began collecting her medical bills and records. We immediately sent a letter of representation to the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company. Shortly thereafter, we filed a lawsuit against the dog owner.

The dog bite caused significant lacerations to our client’s face and lip, which ultimately resulted in keloid scarring. We worked to document the extent of her injuries and their lasting effects, including having her evaluated by a dermatologist for the injuries to her face and lip. She required injections to treat the scarring, and laser contouring was recommended to address discoloration in the scarred area of her lips. Scar revision surgery was also recommended.

We presented this information to the defense to demonstrate the lasting effects of our client’s permanent disfigurement. We also engaged in several telephone conferences with defense counsel to discuss the posture and evaluation of the case.

We determined that the homeowner’s insurance policy provided $100,000 in coverage. After extensive discussions with the defense, our client authorized a $75,000 demand. Shortly afterward, the defendant met our client’s demand, and the case was settled for $75,000.

Our client was very happy with the result and with our firm’s representation.

$200,000 Settlement for Facial Scarring and Permanent Disfigurement

Our client, a 39-year-old advertising account executive, was out with her husband and friends on Treasure Island, Florida, in June 2021. The group was traveling in a road-licensed golf cart from one restaurant to another across the street. Our client was sitting in a rear-facing seat when the driver suddenly made a hard and unexpected U-turn, throwing her from the golf cart and onto the pavement.

Our client was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries to her head, face, and left hand. A laceration around her right eye and another on her hand required stitches. She later followed up with an orthopedic surgeon, who performed a nerve repair operation on her hand. She also required extensive dental treatment after fracturing two teeth in the accident. In addition, her plastic surgeon determined that she would require facial scar revision surgery in the future.

The defendant had a $100,000 bodily injury insurance policy, but his insurance company initially refused to pay the policy limit, arguing that its insured was not negligent in operating the golf cart. The insurer initially offered only $34,000.

We repeatedly pointed out how the defendant’s actions directly led to our client’s injuries. We also provided detailed evidence of her damages and made clear that we would not accept less than the full policy limit. Eventually, faced with the likelihood of a lawsuit, the insurance company agreed to pay the full $100,000 policy limit to settle the claim.

Our client also had $100,000 in uninsured motorist coverage through her own insurer. We argued that her damages clearly exceeded the defendant’s policy limits and submitted a comprehensive demand package seeking the full amount of her available coverage. In the end, our firm convinced the insurer to pay an additional $100,000, bringing our client’s total recovery to $200,000.

$250,000 Settlement for a Wrist Injury and Permanent Scarring

Our client was a 22-year-old administrative assistant when she was involved in this serious accident. As she was driving down 22nd Street in Tampa, the defendant negligently drove through a stop sign at the Selmon Expressway exit ramp, violating our client’s right of way and causing a severe T-bone collision.

Our client was taken to the hospital, where doctors determined that she had suffered a severe fracture of her left wrist with an obvious deformity. The injury required immediate surgery in the form of an open reduction and internal fixation procedure. Because of the extent of the fracture, she also sustained nerve damage and required considerable physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery. She was ultimately left with an obvious scar from her injury, resulting in permanent scarring.

The defendant had an insurance policy with a maximum payout of $250,000. Despite the severity of our client’s injury and the resulting permanent scarring, the insurance company offered only $100,000 in response to our demand for the policy limits. We rejected the offer and continued to insist that the company pay our client the full amount available under the policy.

Ultimately, the insurance company agreed to pay its full $250,000 policy limit. We were also able to negotiate our client’s medical expenses down to a much lower amount, allowing her to recover even more compensation. She was delighted with the result, and we were happy to achieve this outcome for her.

Understanding the Legal Threshold in Florida

In Florida, simply having a minor scar after a car accident is not always enough to file a lawsuit for pain and suffering. Because Florida operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, victims must meet a specific legal threshold to seek non-economic damages. Under Florida Statute 627.737, an injured party can step outside the no-fault system and sue an at-fault driver if their injury consists of significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Whether a scar is considered “significant” is ultimately up to a jury to decide. Factors such as the visibility of the scar, the age of the victim, and the location of the disfigurement all play a role in determining its legal significance.

The Psychological and Emotional Toll

While the physical wound may eventually close, the psychological impact of a visible scar can persist for decades. Disfigurement, particularly to the face, neck, or hands, frequently triggers severe mental anguish and emotional distress. Research indicates that approximately 84% of patients with maxillofacial trauma experience psychological distress in the early stages following their injury.[2] Furthermore, a UK-based study utilizing health data from Wales found that individuals with facial scars resulting from trauma or assault are more likely to be treated for anxiety and depression compared to the general population.[3]

When pursuing a claim, personal injury attorneys often highlight the following non-economic damages:

  • Mental Anguish: The emotional trauma associated with the accident and the resulting change in appearance.
  • Loss of Capacity to Enjoy Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, social events, or daily activities due to self-consciousness or physical limitations.
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical discomfort endured during the initial injury and subsequent reconstructive procedures.

Because non-economic damages cannot be calculated using an exact mathematical formula, juries typically evaluate the evidence and award an amount they consider fair and reasonable.

Calculating Damages: The Long-Term Cost of Recovery

A scarring and disfigurement claim may involve more than compensation for the initial injury. Many victims require ongoing medical care, including consultations with specialists, reconstructive procedures, and treatments designed to reduce the appearance or physical effects of permanent scars.

Economic damages in these cases may include past and future medical expenses, such as surgical procedures, scar revision treatments, rehabilitation, medications, and other necessary care related to the injury. These costs can continue long after the original accident, particularly when a victim requires multiple procedures or long-term follow-up treatment.

A claim may also account for the ways a permanent scar affects a person’s daily life. When disfigurement results in emotional distress, reduced confidence, physical limitations, or difficulty participating in normal activities, victims may be entitled to seek compensation for these non-economic losses as well.

Filing Deadlines and Legal Requirements for a Disfigurement Lawsuit

A permanent scar or disfigurement may become more apparent over time, especially as a victim completes medical treatment and learns whether additional procedures will be necessary. However, waiting too long to pursue a claim can jeopardize the ability to recover compensation.

Florida law places strict deadlines on personal injury lawsuits, meaning injured individuals must take action within the applicable statute of limitations. This makes it important to understand your legal options early, preserve evidence, and document the full extent of your injuries.

The amount of compensation available may also depend on the circumstances of the accident, including whether the injured person shares responsibility for what happened. Because fault can affect the outcome of a claim, a thorough evaluation of the accident, medical records, and available evidence is essential.

Steps to Take After a Scarring and Disfigurement Injury

A permanent scar or disfigurement injury requires careful medical evaluation, thorough documentation, and timely legal guidance. These steps can help establish the severity of your injury, support your claim, and protect your ability to pursue compensation.

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure your wounds are properly cleaned and treated to minimize the risk of infection, and ensure the injury is documented in your medical records.
  2. Consult a Specialist: Have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist evaluate the scar to determine if it is permanent and outline what future revision surgeries may be necessary.
  3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Speak with a legal professional before the two-year statute of limitations expires to preserve your right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

Get Help With Your Permanent Disfigurement Case

Permanent disfigurement injuries can affect your appearance, emotional well-being, and future quality of life. An experienced personal injury attorney can help evaluate your claim, gather evidence of your injuries, and pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered.

A scarring and disfigurement lawsuit requires proving that your injuries are significant and permanent. Understanding the legal requirements and acting within the applicable deadlines can help protect your ability to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the lasting impact of your injury.

If you are considering a scarring and disfigurement lawsuit, contact the personal injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 800-538-4878 for a FREE case review. We can review your case and explain your legal options.

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