When Can I Get Compensation For Disfigurement After a West Palm Beach Car Crash?

Disfigurement is a serious consequences  from a car accident in West Palm Beach. Even the most serious fractures and bruises can heal over time, but disfigurements last forever. These injuries leave permanent marks not only on your body – but also on your psyche. With scars or burns across your face or intimate areas, it may be very difficult to live a normal life. How do you get compensation for these kinds of injuries after a car crash?

What Is the Legal Definition of a Disfigurement in Florida? 

Florida only briefly mentions the phrase “disfigurement” in a section describing various crash-related injuries. Under this section, the law states that “serious personal disfigurement” constitutes a serious bodily injury.

This is an important distinction, as “serious bodily injuries” or permanent injuries are handled differently compared to other injuries in Florida.  If you have a permanent injury, like disfigurement, you can recover for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and mental anguish.

If you sue negligent parties directly, you can recover more compensation compared to a no-fault claim. This is because no-fault insurance does not provide any compensation for non-economic damages.

Disfigurement Is a Type of Non-Economic Damage 

Disfigurement is a somewhat unique injury in the context of auto accidents, as it involves both physical and psychological damages. That being said, it also falls under the category of “non-economic damages” in Florida – along with issues like PTSD, depression, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Disfigurements Are Permanent 

Disfigurement is often permanent. If your physical blemishes will eventually heal, you may not have the ability to pursue non-economic damages for this type of injury. If your injuries are clearly permanent, however, you will likely meet the “serious injury threshold” according to Florida law.

There are many examples of disfigurements in Florida. Perhaps the most obvious is a burn across the face. Burns may be caused by explosions or fires after car crashes, and they may never heal – even with expert attention from medical professionals. Another potential example might involve deep lacerations that develop into unsightly scars. Many sources also define amputations as disfigurements. All of these injuries would likely qualify as “serious injuries” according to Florida law.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach? 

To discuss compensation for your disfigurements in more detail, you may wish to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer in West Palm Beach. Reach out to Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to get started. We’ll review your unique situation and determine the most appropriate route toward compensation. Book your consultation now.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559290/