Disfigurement

An accident that results in any type of scarring or permanent disfigurement can be both emotionally and physically devastating for the victim. In Illinois, victims with disfiguring injuries are entitled to seek compensation for this type of impairment. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits for those who sustained scarring or disfigurement on the job.

At Brassfield, Krueger & Ramlow, LTD., our compassionate Rockford work injury attorneys are focused on helping disfigured workers fight for just compensation. We have the skills and legal knowledge required to help injured workers maximize their financial recovery.

What You Need to Know About Pursuing Benefits for Disfigurement

Workers’ compensation claims that are based on scarring or disfigurement must be brought under Section 8(c) of the state workers’ compensation law. Specifically, that part of the act provides coverage for disfigurement and scarring that has occurred to parts of the body that are typically visible in ordinary public settings. In other words, compensation may be available for disfigurement or scars on a person’s:

• Face;
• Neck;
• Hands or arms;
• Legs below the knee; or
• Chest above the breast line.  

Scarring to other areas of the body typically will not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. To be eligible for compensation, an injury must be both “serious” and “permanent”. Additionally, six months must have passed since the date of the injury so that all parties involved can attempt to assess the healing and determine what the disfigurement and scars will look like going forward.

How Much Compensation Will Be Awarded

Compensation for disfigurement and scarring must be awarded on a case-by-case basis. There are a number of different factors that will need to be assessed. Most importantly, the location and severity of the scars will make a huge impact on the case. Beyond those factors, whether or not the scars will impact a person’s ability to perform normal work and non-work activities will also need to be considered. Notably, disfigurement and scarring cases can be especially challenging because there is some subjectively and interpretation involved when it comes to assessing the severity of these types of injuries. As such, it is imperative that injured workers are represented by a qualified Rockford work injury lawyer.

Contact Our Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you suffered severe disfigurement or scarring in any type of accident, you deserve financial compensation for that loss. At Brassfield, Krueger & Ramlow, LTD., our Illinois personal injury attorneys will help you fight for every dollar that you are owed under the law. To learn more about what we can do for you, please contact us today at 815 398-9700 in Rockford or 815-672-8878 in Streator.