Chicago Scarring and Disfigurement Lawyer

Recover Compensation for Permanent Scars and Disfigurement

A Chicago scarring and disfigurement lawyer is essential when injuries affect your physical appearance, emotional well-being, and ability to work. Whether the result of a car accident, workplace accident, or another traumatic event, we help victims seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these life-altering injuries.

Scarring Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

$1,200,000 Settlement – Three-year-old Maya was visiting family in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood when she was attacked by a relative’s Doberman Pinscher. The dog inflicted deep facial wounds that required stitches and left significant scarring. The settlement reflected the young age of the victim and the long-term emotional impact of facial disfigurement.

$700,000 Settlement – Brandon, a 42-year-old delivery driver from Cicero, was bitten by a neighbor’s dog while making a routine drop-off. He suffered significant nerve damage in his hand and visible scarring on his arm. The settlement accounted for medical treatment, ongoing pain, and the effect of disfigurement on his daily life.

$380,000 Settlement – While walking her dog in Evanston, 16-year-old Ava was mauled by an off-leash animal that bit her lips, nose, and ear. She required two facial reconstruction surgeries and multiple dermal abrasion treatments to minimize scarring. Her award reflected the cost of ongoing care and the emotional harm of permanent facial injuries.

What Makes Us the Best Scarring and Disfigurement Attorneys in Chicago

As one of the top-rated personal injury law firms in Chicago, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers stands out for securing over $450 million in verdicts and settlements for clients who’ve suffered permanent injuries. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Chicago are recognized by Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With a 10/10 rating on Avvo, we’re trusted by accident victims across the city.

What Accidents Cause Serious Injuries Leading to Scarring or Disfigurement in Chicago?

Several types of accidents in Chicago can cause disfiguring injuries. These include:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car and truck accidents
• Burns from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or hazardous materials
• Slip and fall accidents
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or improper wound treatment

What Are the Most Common Types of Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries?

Scarring injuries come in many forms, depending on the type of trauma and medical treatment involved. Keloid scars are thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound. Hypertrophic scars are also raised but confined to the injury site. Contracture scars, often caused by severe burns, can tighten skin and impair movement. Pitted scars typically result from deep wounds or infections that damage underlying tissue. 

Adhesion scars form beneath the skin and may restrict muscle or organ function. Facial disfigurement is among the most emotionally devastating types, affecting one’s self-image and quality of life. In the most severe cases, scarring may be linked to the loss of limbs or body parts. Victims may require skin grafts, which can leave noticeable scarring.

What Damages Can Victims of Scarring and Disfigurement Recover in Chicago?

Victims of scarring and disfigurement in Chicago may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim.

Economic damages typically cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital care, reconstructive surgery, follow-up appointments, and long-term care. They also include lost wages and any future loss of earning capacity due to the injury.

Non-economic damages address the personal toll of disfiguring injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of normal life. Permanent scarring–especially on visible areas like the face–can significantly impact a person’s mental health, social life, and overall well-being.

A skilled scarring and disfigurement lawyer will work to ensure all aspects of the injury are fully accounted for in the fight for fair compensation.

What Is the Average Payout for Scarring and Disfigurement in Chicago?

Based on Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for scarring and disfigurement cases in Chicago is $6,934,640, while the median settlement is $256,400. Awards can range from as low as $1,752 to over $181 million, depending on the circumstances.

The following factors heavily influence the value of a disfigurement claim:

• Severity of the injury – Permanent, highly visible injuries (like severe burns or loss of a limb) generally lead to higher awards.
• Location of scarring – Facial scarring, or injuries to the hands or neck, tends to result in higher compensation due to visibility and social impact.
• Age of the victim – Younger victims often receive larger awards, as disfigurement can affect them emotionally and professionally for decades.
• Emotional distress – The psychological impact, including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal, increases non-economic damages.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

$363 Million Verdict for Breast Cancer from Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Susan Kamuda developed breast cancer after decades of exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) emitted by a Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook, IL. The jury found Sterigenics (65% liability), Sotera (30%), and Griffith Foods (5%) responsible for knowingly releasing cancer-causing emissions into the community. Kamuda underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The jury awarded $363 million, including $8 million for disfigurement and $336 million in punitive damages, finding the defendants’ actions willful and wanton.

$79.8 Million Award for Child Killed and Sibling Disfigured in Police Chase Crash

Ten-year-old Da’Karia Spicer died, and her younger brother Dhaamir suffered facial scarring and respiratory failure when a fleeing suspect struck their family vehicle during an unauthorized police pursuit. The City of Chicago admitted liability. The jury awarded $79.8 million total: $67.4 million to Da’Karia’s estate, $11.2 million to Dhaamir (including $8 million for disfigurement), and $1.25 million to their father, Kevin Spicer, for his emotional and physical injuries.

$55.5 Million Verdict for Child with Cerebral Palsy and Disfigurement from Birth Injury

Shamond Butler was born with cerebral palsy after a delayed C-section and excessive use of Pitocin despite fetal distress. His mother sued two physicians for medical malpractice. Experts testified that the doctors ignored warning signs and failed to prevent oxygen deprivation. Shamond now requires lifelong care and is permanently disabled. The jury awarded $55.5 million, including $5 million for disfigurement, $22 million for future medical treatment, and significant compensation for emotional distress and loss of a normal life.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney to Navigate the Legal System

Pursuing a disfigurement claim involves more than just proving fault–it requires a thorough understanding of how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages. To recover compensation, you need an experienced attorney who understands how to present these claims effectively. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we collaborate with medical experts, vocational specialists, and accident reconstruction experts to fully document the extent of your injuries and their long-term consequences. A knowledgeable disfigurement lawyer can help you prove negligence, counter insurance company tactics, and guide you through each step of the legal process.

How Common Are Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries?

In an international epidemiological survey of 11,100 participants, 48.5% reported having at least one scar, and 22% had developed a scar within the past year. More than half (50.8%) of recent scars were caused by accidents or disease, while surgical procedures accounted for 35% of scars in women and 28% in men. Pain was associated with scars in 12.3% of men and 10.7% of women, highlighting both the physical and emotional toll these serious injuries can cause.

Where Do Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Scarring injuries in Chicago can happen in many everyday settings. Major intersections with high accident rates, such as those near Lake Shore Drive, Cicero Avenue, and Western Avenue, are frequent sites of car accidents, causing severe injuries. Industrial job sites in areas like the Stockyards Industrial Park or along South Pulaski Road can expose workers to machinery, chemicals, and heat sources that cause burn injuries or amputations. 

Restaurants and commercial kitchens in busy districts like the Loop or River North see incidents involving scalds, cuts, and chemical burns. Even public areas–such as CTA stations, Millennium Park, or neighborhood sidewalks–can pose slip and fall hazards, leading to deep lacerations or fractures that may result in significant scarring.

What Laws Govern Scarring and Disfigurement Claims in Illinois?

Illinois’ Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) governs motor vehicle operation and liability. When a scarring or disfigurement injury results from a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, these laws outline fault, insurance requirements, and rules of the road. Proving a violation can help establish negligence in a personal injury case.

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) holds pet owners strictly liable when their animal causes injury without provocation. If a dog bite or animal attack results in scarring or disfigurement, victims may seek compensation without proving negligence, provided they were lawfully in the location where the attack occurred.

The Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/) requires property owners and occupiers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful visitors. When unsafe conditions cause a slip, fall, burn, or other injury leading to scarring, victims may recover damages by proving the owner knew or should have known of the hazard.

The Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) provides benefits to employees injured on the job, including those who suffer scarring or disfigurement. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and specific awards for permanent disfigurement, regardless of fault, as long as the injury occurred in the course of employment.

How Long Do Accident Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Chicago?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury claims–including those for scarring and disfigurement–must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can bar recovery, making it critical to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

Under 820 ILCS 305/6(d), employees generally have three years from the date of the injury, or two years from the last payment of benefits (whichever is later), to file a workers’ compensation claim. This includes claims for scarring or disfigurement sustained in the course of employment.

Who Can Be Liable for a Scarring or Disfigurement Injury in Chicago?

Multiple parties can be held liable for a scarring or disfigurement injury in Chicago, depending on the circumstances.

• Negligent drivers may be responsible when car accidents cause permanent injuries.
• Employers may be liable through workers’ compensation if an employee is injured in a workplace accident involving heavy machinery or hazardous materials.
• Property owners can face claims under the Illinois Premises Liability Act when unsafe conditions–like slip hazards, fire risks, or inadequate security–lead to serious harm.
• Product manufacturers may be accountable if a defective or unsafe product causes burns, lacerations, or amputations.
• Medical providers can be liable for surgical errors, improper wound treatment, or other malpractice resulting in lasting scarring or disfigurement.

Common Defenses in Scarring and Disfigurement Cases

In Illinois, defendants in scarring and disfigurement personal injury cases often raise several defenses to limit or avoid liability.

Citing Illinois’ Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), they may argue the victim was partially at fault; we counter this by presenting evidence, such as accident reconstruction and witness testimony, to minimize or eliminate assigned fault.

Defendants may claim the scarring was pre-existing or unrelated to the incident; we use detailed evidence and expert testimony to establish a clear link between the injury and the event.

Another common tactic is disputing the necessity of treatment; we counter with opinions from medical professionals and documentation of the medical necessity for surgeries, therapy, or other care to ensure clients seek compensation.

How to Strengthen Your Scarring and Disfigurement Personal Injury Claim

To build a strong scarring and disfigurement personal injury case, it’s essential to gather clear and compelling evidence from the start.

Photographs should document the injury from the initial incident through the healing process to show the severity and permanence of the damage. Medical records, including surgical recommendations and treatment notes, help prove the necessity and cost of care. If the injury resulted in anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal, a psychological evaluation can demonstrate the emotional toll.

Working with an experienced scarring and disfigurement lawyer ensures this evidence is organized and presented effectively to maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources to handle complex personal injury cases from start to finish. We investigate and document negligence by gathering accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. Our team works closely with plastic surgeons to detail the extent of physical damage and with mental health professionals to explain the emotional toll. 

We use this evidence to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for full compensation covering both economic and non-economic damages. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to trial in Cook County court to fight for the best outcome.

FAQs

How do I prove disfigurement?

Proving disfigurement in a personal injury case requires establishing duty, breach, causation, and damages. First, you must show the defendant had a legal duty to act with reasonable care. Next, prove they breached that duty through negligence or wrongful conduct. Then, connect this breach directly to your injury (causation) using evidence and expert testimony. Finally, demonstrate the damages–both economic, such as medical expenses, and non-economic, such as emotional trauma–caused by the disfigurement. Detailed medical records, photographs, and testimony from medical professionals are key to proving the injury’s permanence and impact on your life.

How much does a Chicago scarring and disfigurement lawyer cost?

Our law firm’s scarring and disfigurement lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Can I recover damages for emotional distress caused by disfigurement?

Yes. In Illinois, you may recover non-economic damages for the emotional distress associated with scarring and disfigurement. This can include anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life. Psychological evaluations and testimony from mental health professionals can help support your claim. Our legal team ensures that both your physical and emotional injuries are fully documented to maximize your compensation.

Will my case value increase if the scar is visible?

In most cases, yes. Scars in highly visible areas, such as the face, neck, or hands, often increase the value of a claim because they have a greater impact on a person’s physical appearance, self-esteem, and social interactions. Juries and insurance companies may award higher damages when the disfigurement is noticeable and permanent.

Why is immediate medical attention important after a severe injury?

Seeking prompt medical attention ensures your injuries are properly treated, which can improve recovery outcomes and reduce complications. It also creates a detailed medical record that links the injury directly to the incident, which is essential in proving your claim. Delays in treatment can give insurance companies an excuse to dispute causation or downplay your damages.

Consult Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered disfigurement due to someone else’s negligence, our Chicago personal injury lawyersare ready to help. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges these injuries create and will fight to secure the fair settlement or verdict you deserve.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.