Burning and Scarring from Medical Negligence
Suffering unnecessary scarring or burns due to the negligence of a medical professional can be extremely traumatic, making what can be an already stressful situation - such as undergoing an operation - even worse. If you have been affected by burning and scarring from medical negligence, we can help you claim compensation for your injuries.
The nature of these injuries means they can also result in long-lasting or life-changing consequences. Severe scarring, particularly on visible areas such as the face, can cause significant psychological trauma and impact self-confidence. In some cases, burns and scarring may also lead to physical complications, including restricted movement due to contracture scars or ongoing pain and sensitivity.
If this has happened to you as a result of medical errors, you may be entitled to make a scarring compensation claim. This can help to cover the cost of medical treatment, psychological support, and any financial losses caused by your injury.
At JMW, we specialise in helping individuals who have suffered scarring injuries due to substandard care with medical negligence claims. Our expert solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand whether you have the potential for a successful claim and guide you through the scarring claims process with care and sensitivity.
To discuss your case, call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form to receive a call back at your convenience.
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How JMW Can Help
At JMW, we understand that making a scarring compensation claim after suffering burns or unnecessary scarring due to medical negligence can feel overwhelming. That’s why our expert solicitors are here to guide you through the claims process with care and sensitivity, ensuring you get the support and compensation you deserve.
When you choose JMW, we will:
- Assess your claim: We will review your case and advise on whether you are eligible to make a scarring compensation claim.
- Gather medical evidence: Our team will collect expert opinions and medical records to support your case.
- Calculate your compensation: We will account for physical pain, psychological trauma, medical costs, lost income, and any future treatment you may need when calculating how much compensation you are owed.
- Guide you through the claims process: We will handle all legal aspects, from submitting the claim to negotiating with the defendant.
We will work with you on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal costs, and you can pursue your claim without financial risk. We will be with you at every step, offering expert guidance and ensuring you feel supported throughout.
Our team includes solicitors who are recognised as some of the leading practitioners in England and Wales, as members of the Law Society Medical Negligence solicitors’ panel. With extensive experience handling scar injury claims, we are well-positioned to help you make a claim and navigate the legal process as smoothly as possible.
Having helped countless individuals in similar situations, we know how distressing it can be to suffer permanent scarring or severe scarring due to a medical mistake. Our goal is to make the legal side of the process as stress-free and straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery while we work to secure the compensation you need.
With the right legal team in your corner, you can claim the compensation you need to support your recovery and move forward with confidence.
What Is Scarring Negligence?
Scarring negligence occurs when a medical professional’s substandard care leads to unnecessary scarring or burn injuries that could have been avoided. While some level of scarring is an expected outcome of many medical procedures, negligence arises when poor surgical techniques, inadequate wound care, or improper use of medical equipment result in excessive, preventable or disfiguring scars.
Scarring can range from fine line scars that fade over time, to severe scarring that causes long-term pain, mobility issues or psychological trauma. In some cases, particularly when scarring affects the face or other visible areas, the impact can be life-changing, affecting self-esteem, employment opportunities, and overall wellbeing.
Burn injuries caused by medical negligence can be particularly painful and may lead to permanent scarring, contracture scars, or even long-term disability. These injuries can occur in various healthcare settings due to errors in treatment, surgical negligence, or improper use of medical equipment. Burns caused by medical negligence may require extensive medical intervention, including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing scar management, which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
How Can Medical Negligence Lead to Burning and Scarring?
Medical negligence can lead to scarring injuries in several ways, including:
- Surgical errors: Poor incision techniques, failure to close wounds properly, the removal of too much skin, or using incorrect suturing methods can result in hypertrophic scars, keloid scars or contracture scars.
- Inadequate wound care: Failing to monitor and treat post-surgical wounds correctly can lead to infections, increasing the risk of severe scarring. Incorrect stitching, whether through using the wrong type of stitches or an incorrect technique, can also lead to scarring.
- Failure to prevent pressure sores: In hospital or care settings, failure to reposition immobile patients can lead to deep, penetrative wounds that leave body scarring.
Burn injuries can be caused by the following:
- Surgical burns: Electrical or thermal burns caused by improper use of diathermy machines or laser scalpels.
- Chemical burns: Caused by incorrect application of antiseptics, or other medical substances.
- Radiation burns: Overexposure to radiation therapy during cancer treatment, resulting in severe scarring.
- Hot compress or water burns: Scalding injuries due to negligence in handling heated medical treatments.
Naturally, nobody who undergoes medical treatment expects to come away from the process with new or exacerbated injuries. In instances where these injuries have resulted from medical negligence you may be entitled to claim compensation for scars or any burns you have suffered.
When Can I Make a Medical Negligence Claim for Burning or Scarring?
You may be able to make a medical negligence claim if you have suffered burn injuries or scarring due to substandard care from a healthcare professional. Medical practitioners have a duty to follow accepted standards of care, and if their actions - or failure to act - result in avoidable scarring or burns, you may have grounds to seek scarring compensation.
Burning and scarring negligence can occur in hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes. To make a successful claim against a medical professional, surgeon, nurse or therapist who has failed to provide the appropriate level of care, we must prove that:
- A medical professional was negligent: This means they failed to provide the appropriate standard of care, whether through a surgical error, poor wound care, or a treatment mistake.
- Your injury was avoidable: The scarring or burns must have been caused by negligence, rather than being an expected or unavoidable consequence of treatment.
- Your injury caused harm: The scarring or burns must have led to physical pain, psychological trauma, financial loss, or the need for further medical treatment.
If you believe you have a case, JMW’s medical negligence solicitors can assess your situation and guide you through the scarring claims process.
FAQs About Burning and Scarring Compensation
- How much compensation can I claim?
The amount of compensation you could receive for a scarring compensation claim depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the scarring: Minor scars may receive lower compensation, while severe facial scarring or permanent disfigurement may result in a higher award.
- The location of the scarring: Scarring on visible areas such as the face, neck or hands may lead to a greater compensation amount than scarring in less visible areas.
- Physical pain and discomfort: If your scarring has caused ongoing pain or limited mobility, this will be factored into your claim.
- Psychological trauma: If your scarring has affected your confidence, self-esteem or mental health, compensation may be awarded for emotional distress.
- Financial losses: This includes any lost income if you have been unable to work, medical costs for treatments such as laser therapy or skin grafts, and the cost of any necessary future care.
When you speak to JMW, our medical negligence solicitors will carefully assess your case to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
- What is the time limit for making a scarring negligence claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury - or the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury - to make a scarring claim. However, there are some exceptions:
- If the claimant was under 18 at the time of the negligence, the three-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday, meaning they have until they turn 21 to make a claim.
- If the injured person cannot pursue a claim themselves because they lack mental capacity, there may be no time limit due to their condition.
- If the injury resulted in death, the deceased’s family has three years from the date of death to make a claim.
Because time limits can be complex, we recommend speaking to one of our medical negligence experts as soon as possible to ensure your claim is made in time.
Talk to us
If you have suffered burning or scarring from medical negligence, JMW is here to help. Our expert medical negligence solicitors have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
To find out whether you can make a compensation claim, get in touch with us today. Call JMW on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online contact form to request a call back.
