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Home » How To Claim Permanent Scar Compensation

How To Claim Permanent Scar Compensation

Scars can be more than just a mark on your body. They can affect how you feel about yourself, your confidence in social situations, and even your ability to move freely. If you have suffered a permanent scar because of an accident, medical negligence, or even a crime, you may be entitled to compensation.

This guide will explain in simple terms how you can claim permanent scar compensation in the UK. We will cover what scars are, the main causes of scarring, the laws that protect you, the evidence you need, how compensation is calculated, and the time limits you must follow. By the end, you should feel better informed about your rights and the steps you can take.

What Is A Permanent Scar?

A scar is a mark that is left behind when your skin heals after an injury. Some scars fade over time, but many leave a lasting impact. Scars are not always just cosmetic. They can also cause pain, restrict your movement, or trigger ongoing emotional distress.

There are several types of scars:

  • Fine line scars – small and flat scars that fade with time but may still leave a visible line.
  • Keloid scars – raised scars caused by an overgrowth of tissue. These can be itchy, painful, and larger than the original wound.
  • Hypertrophic scars – raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original injury but can still be noticeable.
  • Pitted or atrophic scars – indented scars often caused by skin conditions such as acne or chickenpox.
  • Contracture scars – scars caused by burns where the skin shrinks, which may limit movement and cause long-term discomfort.

When a scar is permanent, it may affect your appearance, daily life, career opportunities, and mental health. That is why the law allows you to make a claim if the scar was caused by someone else’s fault.

Common Causes Of Permanent Scars

Permanent scars can happen in many different situations. To be eligible for compensation, you need to show that someone owed you a duty of care, that they breached it, and that this breach caused your injury. Here are the most common situations:

1. Accidents At Work

Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This means they must provide proper training, maintain equipment, and supply protective gear where needed.

Scars at work can be caused by:

  • Faulty machinery leading to cuts or burns.
  • Accidents involving chemicals.
  • Falls from height causing deep wounds.

If your employer failed to follow safety rules and you were injured, you may be able to claim compensation.

2. Accidents In Public Places

The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 says that the people or organisations in control of public spaces must make sure you are reasonably safe when using them.

Scarring injuries in public places might happen when:

  • You trip on a poorly maintained pavement.
  • You cut yourself on broken glass left in a park.
  • You are injured by unsafe conditions in shops, restaurants, or leisure centres.

If the person responsible for the space did not take proper care, you could claim against them.

3. Road Traffic Accidents

Drivers, cyclists, and other road users owe each other a duty of care under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.

Scars can result from:

  • Cuts caused by shattered glass in a crash.
  • Burns from airbags or fires.
  • Injuries from motorbike or cycling accidents.

If another driver caused the accident through careless or reckless behaviour, you may have the right to claim.

4. Medical Negligence

Doctors, nurses, and hospitals owe you a duty of care to provide a reasonable standard of treatment. If they fail and you are left with unnecessary scarring, you could claim for medical negligence.

Examples include:

  • Surgical errors that leave avoidable scars.
  • Delayed diagnosis of fractures requiring invasive surgery.
  • Poor wound care leading to unnecessary scarring.

5. Criminal Injuries

If your scar was caused by a crime of violence, you may be able to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government scheme provides compensation for victims of violent crime.

To claim through CICA, you must:

  • Have been injured in a crime of violence (such as an assault or arson).
  • Report the incident to the police.
  • Submit your claim within the relevant time limit.

Evidence You Need For A Permanent Scar Claim

To make a successful claim, you must prove what happened and how it has affected you. Useful evidence includes:

  • Photographs of your scar, ideally from the time of the accident and during your recovery.
  • Medical records that describe your injury, treatment, and long-term prognosis.
  • Accident reports if the incident happened at work or in a public place.
  • CCTV or video footage of the incident.
  • Witness statements from people who saw what happened.
  • Financial records such as payslips, receipts, and invoices to prove your expenses.

The stronger your evidence, the greater the chance of receiving fair compensation.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

Compensation for permanent scars is usually made up of two parts:

General Damages

This covers the pain, suffering, and emotional impact of the scar. It also includes how the scar affects your confidence, social life, and quality of life.

The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) are often used by solicitors and courts to estimate compensation. Some examples are:

  • Very severe facial scarring – £36,340 to £118,790.
  • Less severe facial scarring – £21,920 to £59,090.
  • Significant facial scarring – £11,120 to £36,720.
  • Less significant facial scarring – £4,820 to £16,770.
  • Noticeable bodily scars – £9,560 to £27,740.
  • Single noticeable or several small scars – £2,890 to £9,560.

These figures are only guidelines. The final amount depends on factors such as:

  • The location of the scar.
  • The size and visibility of the scar.
  • The age of the person (younger people may be more affected).
  • The psychological impact.

Special Damages

This covers the financial costs linked to your injury. For example:

  • Loss of earnings if you cannot work.
  • Future loss of earnings if your career is affected.
  • Medical expenses, including surgery or counselling.
  • Travel costs to appointments.
  • Care costs if you need help at home.

It is important to keep receipts, payslips, and invoices to prove these expenses.

Time Limits For Making A Claim

In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to start your claim. This is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.

There are some exceptions:

  • If you were under 18 at the time, the three-year limit starts from your 18th birthday. A parent or guardian (litigation friend) can claim on your behalf before then.
  • If you lack mental capacity, there is no time limit unless you regain capacity.

For criminal injury claims through CICA, the usual time limit is two years from the date of the incident, although exceptions can apply.

How To Start A Permanent Scar Compensation Claim

If you believe you have a claim, here are the steps you can take:

  1. Seek medical treatment – Your health comes first. Make sure your injury is properly treated and recorded in your medical notes.
  2. Collect evidence – Gather photos, documents, and witness details as soon as possible.
  3. Report the incident – If it happened at work, in public, or on the road, make an official report. If it was a crime, notify the police.
  4. Get legal advice – Speak to a solicitor who specialises in personal injury or CICA claims. They can tell you if you have a strong case.
  5. Begin your claim – Your solicitor will guide you through the process, deal with insurers or the CICA, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

The Role Of Solicitors In Scar Claims

Many people worry about the cost of legal help. The good news is that most personal injury solicitors in the UK work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means:

  • You do not pay upfront legal fees.
  • If your case is unsuccessful, you usually do not have to pay your solicitor.
  • If you win, the solicitor takes a small success fee (capped by law) from your compensation.

Solicitors can:

  • Explain legal terms clearly.
  • Collect and organise your evidence.
  • Arrange medical assessments.
  • Negotiate with insurers or the CICA.
  • Represent you if your case goes to court.

Having expert support can make the process less stressful and improve your chances of success.

Why Compensation Matters

You might feel unsure about making a claim, especially if your scar seems minor compared to other injuries. But compensation is not just about money. It is about recognising the impact the injury has had on your life.

Permanent scarring can affect your self-confidence, your relationships, your career, and your wellbeing. Compensation can help you pay for treatments, replace lost income, and give you financial security as you adjust.

Final Thoughts

If you have been left with a permanent scar because of an accident, medical error, or crime, you do not have to suffer in silence. UK law gives you the right to seek compensation where someone else was at fault.

To make a strong claim, remember to:

  • Collect clear evidence.
  • Understand which laws apply to your case.
  • Be aware of the time limits.
  • Seek advice from a qualified solicitor.

A claim cannot take away the scar, but it can help you move forward with the support and resources you need.