Omaha Disfigurement Attorney

Legal Representation for Victims of Scarring and Disfigurement in Omaha

While some form of scarring is expected after a serious auto collision, farm accident, or dog bite, that is no reason to discredit the trauma you have suffered. Scars and disfigurements are a long-lasting reminder of the injuries you suffered and can be linked any mental trauma you experienced. While plastic surgeons and dermatologists have developed effective treatments to remove scar tissue and help victims move past their injuries, these treatments can be quite costly and are often dismissed by insurance companies after an accident. In addition, some disfigurements can not be recovered from, such as amputations of limbs or damage done to cartilage in the face.

If you suffered a traumatic disfigurement because of someone else’s negligence, contact the Omaha scarring and disfigurement attorney at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. With years of experience advocating for victims of traumatic injuries, we can thoroughly evaluate your case and determine if you can receive compensation for your injuries. Call us at (402) 505-8234 to learn what options are available to you today.

Common Types of Disfigurements After Traumatic Injuries

Following a catastrophic accident, most serious injuries that require surgery often lead to at least minor scarring. Sometimes, however, the damage can be extensive, leading to permanent disfigurements or extensive scarring across a victim’s skin and even into the soft tissue.

• Loss of limbs or amputations
• Facial disfigurements from fractures in the teeth, jaw, cheeks, or eye socket
• Scars caused by burns
• Limited mobility if scar tissue forms along a joint, tendon, or ligament
• Cartilage damage in the nose or ears

For children in particular, these types of injuries can lead to low self-esteem, a negative body image, and emotional distress. Even among adults, an extensive scar or disfigurement may impact your personal and work life, especially if the damage extends into your soft tissue or nerves.

Causes of Extensive Scars and Disfigurements

Scars and disfigurements are most common in crush injuries, lacerations, and burns, which can be the result of a variety of traumatic incidents. A key element to disfigurements is damage to the skin, soft tissue, and bone structures, which can occur in:

• Farm equipment accidents if your limb or body became crushed by equipment, cut by a high-powered tool, or caught in a machine
• Motorcycle accidents that involve road rash or facial trauma
• Auto collisions where the driver or passenger collide with the interior of the car or are crushed from a roof collapse
• Faulty products that lead to chemical, electrical, or thermal burns
• Surgical errors involving gross negligence

While some scars can be repaired through plastic surgery, treatment is often costly. On top of that, insurance companies may discount scarring as a minor injury if it does not lead to a long-lasting medical condition, such as a mobility issue or permanent disability like an amputation. However, their policies often cover the medical costs of treating these seemingly superficial wounds and, if the injury was sustained due to a negligent party, they should compensate the victim for treatment.

Recovering Damages for a Disfigurement in Omaha

When pursuing compensation from an at-fault insurance company, there are two types of damages that you can file a claim for. The most common is economic damages, which constitutes any financial costs a victim suffered. This includes medical treatment, which would cover both plastic surgery to repair the scarring and psychological treatment to deal with the emotional trauma or negative impact of the scar. If you suffered a serious disfigurement, such as facial fractures or an amputation, then any associated medical costs could also be recovered, especially if a disability is involved.

In contrast, a victim can also pursue non-economic damages. This form of compensation is more relative and does not have a specific price tag attached to it. Victims who suffer from extensive scarring may claim emotional distress and damages related to pain and suffering, depending on how negatively the disfigurement affected their mental health.

Pursuing a Claim in Nebraska

To ensure every cent is included in your claim, you will need the aid of a skilled attorney who has a thorough understanding of Nebraska’s legal system. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., our Omaha personal injury attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to determine liability, negligence, and fair compensation on your behalf. Do not allow an at-fault insurance company to discount the suffering you have dealt with. Contact us at (402) 505-8234 if you suffered a serious disfigurement or scarring as a result of another’s reckless behavior.

Additional Information

• The Long-Term Damage of Facial Fractures
• Keloids - Merck Manual
• Psychological Issues in Acquired Facial Trauma