Laceration Injury And Scarring Claims Guide

By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated 14th October 2021. Laceration injury claims could be a justifiable course of action if you’ve suffered a cut that could cause permanent scarring.

Below, we look at the legal process of making a personal injury compensation claim for a laceration injury. We provide medical information about lacerations and scarring. We also look at some of the common reasons for claiming scarring or laceration injury compensation and why you could be able to claim in similar circumstances.

Person's mid-section with a laceration injury scar

Our claims team can answer any questions you have about making a No Win No Fee personal injury claim. They can also evaluate your claim to check it is valid and organise one of our solicitors to process your claim under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). You can speak to one of our claim advisors on 0800 073 8801.

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A Guide To Claims For A Laceration Injury Or A Scar

This free online guide will look at the process of claiming for a laceration injury or a scar injury resulting from a laceration or cut from road traffic accidents, work accidents and more. It would help if you were within the personal injury claims time limit to be eligible to claim. And our claims team can advise you of which limit applies in your own case. The purpose of this guide is to educate claimants, so they can approach their own claim with the information they need to make intelligent decisions during the claims process. We start this scarring injury claims guide by looking at what lacerates are and also what scars are.

The middle part of this guide goes into more details about these kinds of injuries. We look at the severity of different kinds of laceration and scars and how they are each treated, such as with skin grafts. We discuss the long-term implications of scarring and lacerations as well.

Next, we move on to look at certain information related to the claim itself. We list some of the most common types of laceration and scar claims. We look at facial scarring and disfigurement and how this will be an important factor in some claims. Additionally, we will go over workplace accidents and how they could be the basis of a claim for a laceration or scar if an employer breaches their duty of care. Lastly, we list some of the kinds of legal entities that could be liable to pay compensation if you make an injury compensation claim.

The last part of this guide will cover the financial aspects of the claim. You will find that we have included a table, based on the UK judicial guidelines for valuing an injury, that shows possible compensation ranges for different scarring levels. You will also find a list that details some of the frequently awarded kinds of damages that a claimant receives as part of their overall compensation settlement.

Finally, we take a look at what No Win No Fee means and how using a solicitor under this kind of free agreement means you won’t have to fund your claim while it is being processed. If you have any questions about this guide’s contents, your claim itself, or the service we offer, please speak to one of our claim advisors on the number now near the bottom of this page. They will help you further with your laceration injury claims.

What Are Laceration Injuries?

In this section, we look at what a laceration wound is. Firstly though, we need to look at a laceration vs a cut. We all know what a cut is and all suffer a cut finger or a cut hand from time to time, carrying out simple tasks such as cutting up vegetables in the kitchen. These cuts are generally straight, not particularly deep, and are caused by a very sharp object.

On the other hand, a laceration will be jagged, probably much deeper than a cut, and can be caused by any object with a sharp edge. For example, tearing your shoulder open by leaning on a fence post with a nail sticking out of it. In general, a laceration will be much worse than a cut, more painful, and with a higher risk of infection. This is important to keep in mind as you pursue any laceration injury claims.

What Are Scars?

In this section, we look at what a scar is and how some kinds of scarring, such as a facial scar, can also cause psychological injuries. A scar is a line left on the skin once a cut or laceration heals. It can be a line, a hole, or an overgrowth of tissue. There are several types of scars that could result in you filing scarring injury claims, and these are:

  • Fine line scars – a raised line, usually red, where the cut or laceration was.
  • Keloid scars – an overgrowth of the skin caused by too much collagen that can keep growing after the cut or laceration is healed.
  • Hypertrophic scars – a bump or raised area of the skin caused by excess collagen, but unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars don’t grow larger than the damaged area.

There are two more kinds of cars, pitted or sunken scars and scar contractures, but lacerations cause neither of these. Scarring can also have a psychological aspect. For example, a person who has suffered facial scarring may suffer from depression, loss of confidence, etc. This is a very important factor when making a compensation claim for a scar.

How Severe Could A Laceration Or Scar Be?

A laceration can range in severity from something as minor as a deep scratch all the way to a deep laceration that damages the underlying flesh. Worse lacerations would result in damage to the muscles, ligaments or even the bones, and these would be classed as a separate type of injury, with the laceration simply being the cause. For example, if you were to suffer a laceration to your ankle, which severs your hamstring, you would be claiming for a severed hamstring and not a laceration.

Scars can range from trivial, such as a small white line left after a small cut on a finger healed. In this case, the scar is almost invisible, has no lasting effect on the victim’s life, and will not cause psychological problems. At the other end of the scale, we have very serious scarring, such as a scared face that disfigures the victim. The scars would be highly visible and would cause psychological harm to the victim as well. We can advise on this further if you speak to us about your potential laceration injury claims.

Wound Care And Treating Lacerations And Scars

In this section, we look at laceration treatment. However, an important distinction here is that treatment will often depend on the object that caused the laceration. A laceration caused by a rusty piece of scaffolding would need different treatment, as with this kind of wound, a course of antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. However, a laceration caused by a clean broken drinking glass, with this kind of laceration, antibiotics would likely not be administered, and the wound cleaned, covered with antibiotic ointment and bandaged. The basic treatment for a laceration is as follows:

  1. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
  2. Clean the area with soap and warm water.
  3. Spread antibiotic cream over the wound.
  4. Bandaged the wound with a sterile bandage.
  5. Consider visiting a hospital for treatment if:
    1. The laceration is very deep, or if the wound is on top of a joint or close to the bone.
    2. It is not possible to clean the inured area fully.
    3. The victim has not had recent tetanus inject, and the wound is a deep puncture.

For the sake of making scarring injury claims, it is recommended that laceration victims always visit the hospital after they have received first aid. This is so that an official record is made of the injuries and how they were caused.

What Long-Term Effects Could Result From These Types Of Injury?

Several potential long-term or permanent effects of a laceration injury that a personal injury lawyer would consider claiming damages for as part of a claim. These include:

  • Loss of function – if a scar will reduce the functionality of the wounded area. For example, a deep laceration of the hand results in large keloid scars that reduce the suppleness of the hand and restrict movement.
  • General scarring – if the laceration leaves measurable scarring on the body’s body or trivial scarring of the face.
  • Disfigurement – if the scarring noticeable mars the appearance of the victim. For example, highly visible facial scars.
  • Psychological injuries – if the scars cause psychological issues such as loss of confidence, depression, anxiety, etc.

Discuss the long-term effects of your laceration injury with our claims team to determine which of these applies to your own laceration injury claims.

Types Of Laceration Injury Claim

There are different kinds of personal injury claims, depending on the kind of laceration and incision that injured the claimant, for example.

  • For minor lacerations that may result in trivial scarring and are at risk of infection as they heal.
  • For more serious lacerations that may have caused some underlying flesh, muscle or nerve damage.
  • For very serious lacerations that are accompanied by another injury such as a fractured bone.

As you can see, the main difference here is the severity of the injuries the claimant has suffered. In general, it is the severity that will drive the level of compensation awarded for your laceration injury claims. Also, keep in mind any such situations that arise due to medical negligence.

Types Of Scarring Claim

Under the eyes of the law in the UK, scarring is seen as a secondary injury and an unavoidable consequence of the healing process for injuries such as lacerations. However, there are different levels of scarring that a personal injury solicitor will process a claim for, such as:

  • Trivial scarring – when the victim’s injury is claiming for, such as a laceration injury, will leave small, almost unnoticeable scars. In this case, a small number of damages might be paid for scarring in addition to the pain and suffering for the injury itself.
  • Scarring – when the scars left by an injury will affect the victim’s life. They will be visible and possibly marring in some way. In this case, the damages for scarring would make up a significant portion of the damages claimed, and the solicitor would emphasise the scarring as a long-term issue.
  • Disfigurement – the most extreme type of scarring. The victim’s life will be significantly affected for the foreseeable future. The scarring will be so severe that it causes additional problems such as depression and loss of confidence. The solicitor would put forth this level of scarring as a major consideration when processing the scarring injury claims.

To find out which level of scarring you need to claim for, please speak to a member of our claims team today.

Facial Scarring And Disfigurement

Facial scarring and disfigurement have their own category within the UK judicial guidelines to valuing injuries (check the table further down this page or try using a facial scarring compensation calculator to get a rough estimate of the value of your claim). This is because even minor scarring of the face can mar the victim’s appearance, causing a negative psychological effect.

In the case of serious scarring of the face that has resulted in heavy disfigurement, this can be a life-changing affliction for the victim to live with, and compensation amounts reflect this. For example, the most compensation is paid to you people (under 30), who have suffered facial disfigurement, as they will have to live with this for the rest of their lives, which will be many years.

Accidents At Work Causing Lacerations Or Scars

Work-related accidents that result in a soft tissue cut or laceration are quite common. There are many causes of workplace accidents that result in a laceration, such as:

  • Lack of training.
  • Ineffective safety equipment.
  • Contact with sharp metal objects
  • Contact with metal items such as screws or nails.
  • Working with hand tools such as chisels, tin snips, knives, etc.
  • Machinery that has sharp cutting edges such as a lathe, band saw, rotary saw, etc.
  • The need to handle sharp materials such as sheet metal or panes of glass.
  • Using the wrong kind of tool to perform a task.
  • Broken or inadequately maintained tools.
  • Broken, missing or faulty safety guards.

Some laceration accidents could also lead to fatalities if the lacerations are bad enough. You can see which industries have been affected by fatal accidents ion 2020/21 in the graphic below.

Graph showing the number of fatal injuries split by type of industry

No matter how your workplace accident was caused, if it can be shown that your employer was indirectly or directly responsible for the accident that harmed you, then a valid claim may exist. Call our claims team to find out about laceration injury claims.

Who Was Responsible For Your Accident Or Injuries

If you suffer a laceration or cut to soft tissue, then who you make your claim against will depend on which the third party was responsible for the accident in which you were harmed. You will need to prove that they were the cause of the hazard that resulted in an accident. Any legal entity can become the defendant in an accident or injury claim, such as:

  • Your employer.
  • The local council.
  • A retail store or shopping mall.
  • A restaurant, café or fast food outlet.
  • A friend, family member or neighbour.
  • The police or one of the other emergency services.

In effect, any private individual, business or organisation can be deemed liable for causing an accident and carry the responsibility of compensating the victim. If you are unsure who you would need to claim against in your own scarring injury claims, speak to one of our claim advisors to find out.

Lacerating Injury Claims And Scar Claim Calculator – Updated October 2021

We have not included a scar compensation calculator on this page. Claims tend to be unique and require accurate valuation by a solicitor. However, you can use the table below to get a rough idea of the level of compensation you might be able to claim.

Edit
Scar Type Severity Notes Compensation
Facial scarring Trivial Where the scars are almost unnoticeable and trivial. £1,600 to £3,310
Less significant Either a single scar, all multiple smaller scars, that mar the appearance of the victim but cannot be considered disfiguring. £3,710 to £12,900
Significant Bad scars that were then treated using cosmetic surgery, and not appear minor, and also severe scars that have faded over time. £8,550 to £28,240
Less Severe Where there is substantial disfigurement, that has had a psychological effect on the victim. £16,860 to £45,440
Very Severe Where people under the age of 30 have suffered severe disfigurement with a serious psychological effect on the victim. £27,940 to £91,350
Body scarring Single/multiple Where there is one noticeable scar, or multiple superficial scares that only slightly mar the appearance of the victim. £2,220 to £7,350

You may be able to find a personal injury claims calculator that can estimate the value of your claim. Or you can speak to a claims advisors, who can arrange for an accident and injury lawyer to value your laceration injury claims for you.

Special Damages Which Victims Of Lacerations And Scars Could Claim

When you make a claim for a laceration or scar, or even as simple as claiming for stitches if your claim is a success, you will receive a settlement made of several different kinds of damages, for example:

  • General damages to compensation for physical harm:
    • Lowed life quality.
    • Permanent or long-term disabilities such as loss of a limb or paralysis.
    • Painful treatment and recovery.
    • Psychological harm.
    • Trauma and shock.
    • Pain and suffering.
  • Special damages to compensate for financial and other losses:
    • Reduced future work or earning potential.
    • Loss of current salary/wages.
    • The cost of care.
    • Money spent on private medical treatment.
    • Travel costs.

If you would like to know what kinds of damages you may be able to claim for in your own circumstances, please talk to one of our scarring injury claims advisors, who will let you know.

No Win No Fee Laceration Injury And Scar Compensation Claims

A solicitor willing to handle your claim under a No Win No Fee agreement will provide you with the added benefit of safeguarding you from many of the prospective financial losses associated with making a claim. This is because you don’t pay anything until your claim has been a success and the solicitor has received a compensation payment for you. This is when the solicitor will collect their pre-agreed success fee.

This means no fee to start your claim or while your claim is being processed. It also means no fee if you don’t get any compensation at all. To learn more about the way this fee structure works, speak to a claim advisor today.

How Our Team Could Help Victims Of Laceration And Scar Injuries Make Laceration Injury Claims

If you need to make a compensation claim for laceration injury compensation, then we have a simple three-step process that will ensure that you get the help you need, and this is:

  1. Reach out to our claims team, explain what has happened to you, how your accident happened, and your injuries.
  2. A claims advisor will answer any questions you have, evaluate your claim, and offer you some free legal advice on what to do next, including offering a solicitor to handle your claim.
  3. If you decide to accept the offer, a solicitor will begin processing your laceration injury claims for you.

This simple new claims process is easy to understand and can help you to get your scarring injury claims started as soon as possible.

Start Your Laceration Injury And Scar Claim Today

Have you suffered a laceration injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault? Do you need help with making a compensation claim? If you answered yes to these questions, please contact our claims team today on 0800 073 8801. They can help you to progress with your claim.

Essential Resources Relating To Laceration Injury Claims

These external sites could be useful:

When Does A Cut Or Laceration Need Stitches?

NHS Information On Cuts

HSE Information On Reducing Knife Cut Risks

You may also like to read these guides:

Claiming For Loss Of Earnings

Claiming For A Workplace Accident As A Self-Employed Person

Claiming For An Accident In A Public Place

Scarring Injury Claims And Laceration Injury Claims FAQs

Can I sue for scarring?

If you or a loved one happen to endure scarring due to the fault of a third party, then a compensation claim could be a suitable course of action.

How much can I claim for a scar?

The amount of compensation you could be awarded for a scar will be heavily influenced by the cause of the scar, additional damages caused, and long-term implications.

Could I claim on behalf of my child?

Making a compensation claim on behalf of a child under the age of 18 is a possibility. To make a case of this nature, the child must have suffered a scar due to the fault of someone else. When taking legal action, a litigation friend will be appointed by the court to handle the case. You can click here to read more about litigation friends or contact our team to learn more.

What is a personal injury time limit?

For any individual to take legal action and have a successful outcome, the claim must be made within a certain time frame – also referred to as a personal injury claims time limit. For example, to make a personal injury claim, you must begin your claim within 3 years from the date of the accident. Failing to do so would ultimately affect the eligibility of your case.

What is permanent disfigurement?

This is where the victim’s appearance has been changed, with permanent scarring present as a result.

What qualifies as a serious injury?

This is any injury resulting in death, permanent disability, loss of organs, disfigurement, dismemberment, fracture or limited mobility.

Should I get a lawyer if I got hurt at work?

If you plan to make a claim as a result, then you should find a lawyer to represent your case.

What are the two basic types of injuries?

These are acute injuries and also overuse injuries.

Could laceration injury claims be made for clinical negligence?

If you have suffered a laceration injury in a healthcare setting, because of medical negligence, you could make a claim for compensation. You would need to be able to prove that if not for negligence, you would not have suffered the laceration injury. A personal injury solicitor who is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority could assist with this. Medical negligence claims could be complex, and you may not want to make a claim by yourself. A solicitor could have the legal knowledge and experience to successfully argue your case and obtain the maximum compensation possible for your case. If you would like us to provide you with such a solicitor, we’d be glad to help.

Do I need a local solicitor to make laceration injury claims?

It may surprise you to know that since much of the claims process could be dealt with over video call, e-mail and letter, there would be no need for you to meet your solicitor face to face, which means you could choose a solicitor based anywhere in the UK for your claim. We would advise that you carefully check the solicitor or law firm you’re considering using has the experience and knowledge you need to make a claim. It may be worth reading reviews on their service or asking them what success rate they have had with similar cases to yours. This could give you peace of mind that you’ve chosen an appropriate solicitor for your scarring injury case.

We hope you have learned a lot about laceration injury claims.