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Scarring is a normal process in the healing of the skin after an injury. Most people have small injury scars, but some severe scarring can cause deformation and other issues needing medical attention. Whatever your circumstance, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is mindful of the impact a scar injury can have on an individual. Our Chicago scar accident attorneys have successfully resolved hundreds of personal injury cases involving scars.
We invite you to contact our office to discuss your accident case involving a scar injury without any cost or obligation on your part. We won't charge you any fees unless you receive compensation, so there's nothing to lose.
What is Scarring?
An injury scar occurs when the skin is healing itself. Collagen, a protein produced by the body, closes the wound, and as it heals, the collagen breaks down and is continually replaced over months and years. Normal scars will become smoother and less visible with time and are generally not painful. But more severe injury scars do not fade as easily and can interfere with mobility.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised, red scars that are generally the size of the original wound. These may continue thickening for months after the original wound and can infringe on movement in some locations, as they are less flexible.
- Keloid Scars: These scars are also red and raised but can form beyond the original wound site. These can be painful or itchy and are also rigid, causing a tight feeling. This can restrict movement if it's near a joint.
- Contracture Scars: Scars from burns are often contracture scars, which cause a tightening of the skin. These scars also may be deeper than the surface and can cause mobility issues.
Causes of Scars in Personal Injury Cases
Any injury to the skin may cause a scar. Some common reasons for scars are:
Medical Treatment for People With Visible Scarring
If an injury scar is causing a deformity or restricting movement, medical procedures can be performed to help minimize the appearance and increase flexibility of the affected area. If scarring is minimal, it may be able to be treated with non-surgical options such as corticosteriod creams or injections. If the scarring is severe, it may require scar revision surgery.
- Scar Removal: The scar tissue is removed and the wound carefully healed to prevent further scar tissue. It can also involve only removing small portions of scar tissue, allowing it to heal with less restriction to movement and appear less visible.
- Dermabrasion: This refers to removing the upper layer of skin. This helps smooth and soften the scar tissue.
- Skin Grafting: Using skin from other areas of the body to replace the scar tissue is used when there is extreme damage and loss of mobility. This is generally more for function than appearance.
No injury scar can ever be completely removed, although it often can be made less visible and more pliable. Keloid scars have a 50-80% chance of reoccurring after surgery, although they may be less detrimental to movement and less noticeable.
Chicago Accident Lawyers for People Who Have Scarring
One of the more difficult aspects of scarring cases is assessing a value for the injury. Unlike other types of personal injury cases where a person may have tangible medical expenses related to their injuries, most dog bite cases involving scarring have minimal medical bills.
As personal injury trial attorneys, our job is to convey the impact of a scar to an insurance adjuster, defense attorney, or jury. Our lawyers always focus on the individual and how the scar impacts them. This individualized approach to accident cases involving scarring has helped many of our clients recover settlements far greater than they ever considered.
If you or a child has a scar related to an accident, contact our Chicago scar injury lawyers to discuss your legal rights.
Resources and News Related to Scar Treatment and Medical Care
