Fishkill Injury Attorney Serving Wappingers Falls, Beacon, Lagrangeville, Brewster, Carmel & Nearby Areas Of Hudson Valley
Disfiguring scar injuries from burns or other accidents never disappear entirely. Even after the pain goes away or the scar is corrected, if possible, by cosmetic surgery, the psychological pain of a disfiguring scar can last a lifetime.
I am personal injury trial lawyer Ira Maurer, of Fishkill, New York. If you have suffered scars or other disfiguring injuries in an accident caused by another person's negligence, you are entitled to seek damages for your medical costs, lost earnings and the pain and psychological effects of the disfigurement. I have won more than 1,000 settlements and verdicts, totaling many millions of dollars, on behalf of victims of negligence and their families, and I will seek full compensation for you.
What Are the Types of Scars That Can Result From Accidents?
Most scars are caused by trauma to the skin, such as cuts, abrasions and punctures. Improper healing or infection can increase the size and pigmentation of a scar. Some of the more common types of scars and their effects include:
- Contracture scars — Caused by burns, including thermal burns, chemical burns and electrical burns. A contracture scar can tighten the skin and constrict mobility. It may be accompanied by deeper damage to underlying muscles and nerves.
- Keloid scars — Caused by improper healing, infection or other causes. Keloid scars typically manifest themselves in the form of raised flesh or bumps on the skin, extending beyond the edge of the wound area.
- Hypertrophic scars — Very similar in appearance and effects to keloid scars, but they do not extend beyond the edge of the wound area.
- Surgical scars — Caused by incisions to the skin. Unavoidable in most invasive surgical procedures, though in some cases they can be minimized.
- Skin cancer scars — Caused by diseases such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Kaposi's Sarcoma.
Common FAQs For Scarring and Disfigurement
Here are some frequently asked questions about hiring a lawyer for cases related to scarring and disfigurement:
Scarring and disfigurement refer to permanent changes in one’s physical appearance resulting from injuries such as burns, lacerations, or other traumatic events. In legal terms, these changes may impact a person’s quality of life, emotional well-being, and ability to work or engage in daily activities.
Compensation in scarring and disfigurement cases may cover medical expenses, including past and future treatments or surgeries, lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific damages you can seek will depend on the circumstances of your case and any applicable laws.
There are a number of medical procedures and treatments that can be performed. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the scar and what caused the scarring. Some treatments include:
- Topical treatments:Â These include silicone gel sheets or creams, which can help flatten and soften scars over time.
- Steroid injections:Â Particularly effective for hypertrophic and keloid scars, steroid injections can reduce inflammation and promote flattening of the scar tissue.
- Laser therapy:Â Various types of laser treatments, such as fractional laser therapy or pulsed dye laser therapy, can help reduce scar redness, thickness, and texture.
- Surgical excision:Â For larger or more severe scars, surgical excision may be an option. This involves removing the scar tissue and suturing the wound to promote better healing.
- Dermal fillers:Â Injections of dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can help fill in depressed scars, improving their appearance.
- Microneedling:Â This is sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy. Microneedling is the process of stimulating collagen formation and improving scar texture with a device equipped with small needles.
- Cryotherapy:Â This involves freezing the scar tissue with liquid nitrogen, which can help flatten raised scars like keloids.
- Pressure garments:Â These specifically designed garments apply pressure to scars, helping to flatten and soften them, which is particularly effective for burn scars.
Maurer Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in handling personal injury cases and has a successful track record of winning those cases. Attorney Ira M. Maurer has won cases against construction companies, contractors, motor vehicle operators, insurance companies, manufacturers, and more.
Yes, there’s a statute of limitations that varies by jurisdiction, limiting the time within which you can file a lawsuit for personal injury, including scarring and disfigurement cases. It’s important to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Not necessarily. Many personal injury cases, including those involving scarring and disfigurement, are resolved through settlements negotiated outside of court. However, if a fair settlement can't be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking your case to trial to seek compensation through a court judgment.
Compensation And Medical Care For Accident Victims
Treatment options for scars include scar revision surgery and laser treatment. Some scars, such as keloid scars, can be minimized by injection with steroids, radiation therapy, cryotherapy or surgical removal. Severe scars may require multiple surgeries or treatments.
If your scarring was caused by the negligence of another party, you are entitled to claim compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering and other losses. The Maurer Law Firm, PLLC, will work vigorously to obtain full and complete compensation for you.
For a free consultation to learn about your options, please call The Maurer Law Firm today at 845-896-5295, serving Fishkill, Myers Corner, Beacon, LaGrangeville and nearby areas of Hudson Valley.
