Can I File for Damages Related to a Disfiguring Facial Scar After a Car Accident in Indiana?
Yes, if you suffered a disfiguring facial scar in an Indiana car accident, you do have the right to file a claim for all the damages you’ve experienced as a result of the accident, including scarring. The best thing to do is to take your case to an Indiana car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and to estimate the value of your claim.
How Do I Take Care of a Wound?
You should always take good care of any wound to avoid an infection. Even a small wound can become a big health problem if it becomes infected. Infection may even enhance the appearance of scarring. Some of the following steps can help reduce risk of infection, and may help you prevent scarring:
- Clean the wound. Run the laceration under cool water. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends using tweezers sterilized with alcohol to remove debris from the wound. This is painful, but necessary. Clean around the wound using a gentle soap and water. The AAFP also does not recommend using harsher cleansers like hydrogen peroxide or iodine, as it can irritate the wound – refer to your doctor if you don’t think water is enough to cleanse the wound.
- Use antibiotic cream & keep it covered. An antibiotic cream can help prevent infection and keeps the wound moist, which may help prevent scarring. Keeping the wound covered can also prevent infection by acting as a barrier to bacteria.
- Do not pick the scab. Picking the scab may cause you to reinjure the area, raises the risk of infecting the area, and heightens the chances of scarring. The AAFP recommends leaving scabs alone to allow the wound to heal.
Of course, if you suffer a severe laceration, call your doctor or seek emergency medical care. This may be necessary, according to the AAFP, if the wound is jagged, occurs on the face, you cannot clean the wound, you run a fever, you see red streaks around the wound, or in other situations that may signify a more serious wound.
Types of Scars Forming After Car Accident in Indiana
When someone is an accident that causes severe injuries, such as burns, disfiguring scarring can result:
- Keloid scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Contracture scars
Don’t discount your scarring as simply a “vanity” issue. Scars can act as horrible and constant reminders of the tragedy of the accident.
Many people often begin to develop psychosocial problems after disfigurement, such as:
- Depression
- Acute stress disorders
- Difficulty with personal and professional relationships
How Do I Minimize a Scar’s Appearance?
If a scar formed despite your best efforts, you may be able to minimize its appearance. Some dermatologists might recommend certain topical creams or ointments. Wearing sunscreen may help avoid hyperpigmentation.
More expensive minimization procedures involve seeing a dermatologist. The Cleveland Clinic outlines several treatment options, which include:
- Injectible fillers, which can raise deep scars, but require repeat procedures
- Dermabrasion, which uses a rapidly rotating wire brush or diamond wheel against the skin to improve the look of raised scars
- Microdermabrasion, which is less invasive than dermabrasion and can work on superficial scars
- Laser resurfacing, where the scar is treated with a laser to lessen the appearance by stimulating collagen production
- Surgery, which may not permanently remove a scar, but can significantly alter its appearance
Considering the profound impact facial scarring can have when you have been in an accident, Indiana allows victims to list the emotional damages victims experience on their car accident claims.
It can be difficult to put a value on your damages when you are dealing with pain and suffering elements of a claim; it’s hard to put a dollar amount on emotional pain, especially when it has such a far-reaching impact, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life after the accident.
In Indiana, an Indiana car accident lawyer can help collect information from your medical and mental health care providers, which can attest to the suffering you’ve experienced as a result of your accident.
Help from an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
When you have complications with your car accident claim, a lawyer can help you to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with filing a claim. In order to get back on track with your car accident claim, contact an Indiana car accident attorney at Hensley Legal Group for a free consultation.