How much is my workers' comp scar worth?
Question
Answer
In Rhode Island, you are entitled to a separate benefit for permanent disfigurement, including scarring resulting from a work injury. The scarring does not need to come directly from the accident itself. For example, if you undergo surgery because of your work injury and are left with scarring from an incision or arthroscopic portal wound, you may still qualify for this benefit. To better understand how these payments fit into your broader case, you can review topics like scar compensation rules or how non-accidental injuries are treated.
We consult at no charge with injured workers every day about what their disfigurement might be worth, and the best way to know is to speak with experienced Rhode Island workers compensation lawyers who handle scarring awards regularly. There is no fixed formula or exact methodology to tell you precisely what you will receive—the value is somewhat subjective and can vary depending on who is evaluating the scar. For more context on how these evaluations work, our denied claim appeal in RI explains how decisions are made in the workers’ compensation system.
If you and the insurance company cannot reach an agreement on the amount of the scarring award, you will need to appear in court so a Judge can personally review the scar and assign a value based on his or her judgment. Different judges may view the same scar differently, which is why professional guidance is important.
We handle scarring cases daily and stay up to date with what the court is awarding for various forms of disfigurement. We negotiate aggressively to secure the highest possible award, often without needing a court appearance. Also, unlike some firms, we refuse to take a “percentage” of your scarring or disfigurement award—you will not pay us for this, and we are happy to explain the process.
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