An individual assessment
Discuss whether you can pursue facial injury and facial scarring claims
Facial injury claims can involve fractures, scarring, dental damage or changes to function following an accident. AJS needs the mechanism and the distinct consequences rather than an assessment based only on appearance. Eating, speech, vision and confidence may raise different medical and evidential questions. Contact the firm to discuss responsibility, treatment and the practical investigation required, with any valuation based on your recovery and losses rather than a generic facial-injury figure.
See the wider bone, joint and soft tissue injury claims serviceDocument facial injury without reducing it to appearance
What needs to be established
Facial injuries may affect bone, skin, teeth, vision or movement. Supply the diagnosis and describe the accident mechanism separately. A scar photograph can show appearance at a particular stage, but cannot establish every functional or psychological effect. Where several injuries overlap, the assessment should consider them together rather than total separate online figures.
How this affects your enquiry
Keep dated photographs if you are comfortable doing so and retain original files. Lighting, healing and treatment can change appearance, so avoid filters or edits presented as unaltered evidence. Do not publish sensitive images to demonstrate the injury. AJS can arrange a suitable private method if photographs are relevant to assessing the enquiry.
Assess treatment and practical effects
What needs to be established
Explain eating, speaking, vision, sensation or work difficulties using the clinical findings. If cosmetic or reconstructive treatment is being considered, distinguish a recommendation from your own wish or an online estimate. The medical prognosis informs whether a scar is likely to change and which further treatment, if any, is appropriate.
How this affects your enquiry
Psychological consequences should be described honestly and assessed where relevant, not assumed from the visibility of the injury. The underlying accident still requires proof of responsibility. Tell the adviser about previous facial injuries, current care and any early settlement offer before agreeing a final resolution.
Prepare for your facial injury and facial scarring claims discussion
Give a focused account of your circumstances
Keep the incident account, treatment and specialist correspondence. Preserve dated photographs proportionately and sensitively, without filters or edits. Describe functional changes and any proposed further treatment, separating confirmed plans from possibilities. Include prior facial injuries and related dental or eye issues so overlapping consequences can be assessed coherently.
Agree scope, costs and the next action
Discuss scope and funding before instruction. Read our costs information and ask which terms would apply to your case.
Facial injury and facial scarring claims: questions before instructing
Should facial scars be photographed every day?
A proportionate dated record may help, but follow clinical advice and avoid causing distress or interrupting care. Keep original images and explain when they were taken. An expert assessment remains important; photographs alone do not establish prognosis or valuation.
Can facial fractures and scarring be considered together?
Yes. The assessment should examine their combined functional, cosmetic and other supported effects. Separate diagnoses should be disclosed, but overlapping pain and consequences cannot simply be counted twice through unrelated award examples.
Can facial scarring be assessed alongside fractures?
Yes. The combined effects should be considered without double counting overlapping consequences.
What if appearance changes as swelling resolves?
Keep dates and describe the recovery stage; early photographs do not establish permanent appearance.
Are unedited photographs preferable?
Yes. Preserve originals and consistent dates rather than filtered images that alter the injury's appearance.
Can eating or speech difficulties be relevant?
Describe the actual restriction and clinical findings, with associated treatment or assistance.
Does a visible scar guarantee compensation?
No. Responsibility, causation and the individual impact still require assessment.
What if the injury followed an assault?
The available civil or scheme route may differ; provide police and incident details promptly.
Can dental injuries require separate specialist evidence?
Yes. Identify affected teeth and treatment so dental and facial consequences are assessed together.
Should I book cosmetic treatment before advice?
Follow clinical needs and discuss proposed costs; do not assume every elective procedure will be recoverable.
What if I had earlier facial surgery?
Disclose the previous condition and appearance so additional harm can be identified.
Can psychological effects of disfigurement be considered?
They require individual evidence and appropriate clinical assessment rather than an assumption based on photographs.
Are work-facing difficulties automatically an earnings loss?
Actual employment consequences and supporting records are needed, not merely a job involving public contact.
Can a child facial injury be investigated?
Yes. Explain the incident and treatment so appropriate representation and developing consequences can be considered.
What if the accident also injured my eye?
Provide the ophthalmic findings and relevant visual effects for a coordinated assessment.
Does a hospital's use of the word minor settle severity?
No. The full recovery and functional evidence matter beyond a single description in early notes.
Can prescription and dressing costs be reviewed?
Keep receipts and the treatment connection, identifying any reimbursement or ordinary expenditure.
Should I conceal photographs showing improvement?
No. A truthful recovery record includes improvement as well as continuing effects.
What if further reconstructive treatment is uncertain?
Record the recommendation accurately; future treatment should not be presented as certain without clinical support.
How do I start a facial injury enquiry?
Give AJS the event, diagnoses, treatment and specific appearance or functional consequences you want assessed.
Sources and further reading
England and Wales claim enquiries. Ask about jurisdiction for other locations. See our terms and information about this website.
Related claim services
Speak to Alexander James Solicitors
Ask about your facial injury and facial scarring claims
Contact AJS with a short account of the incident and any approaching deadline.