Facial Injury Workers Compensation: Do You Qualify for Disfigurement & Scar Benefits?

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Facial injury workers compensation can include medical care, wage replacement, and additional compensation when scarring or disfigurement is permanent and well-documented.

• Eligibility for disfigurement benefits work injury claims hinges on proof of a work-related cause, Permanent and Stationary (P&S) status, and an impairment rating supported by medical evidence.

• Workers comp scar settlement values reflect size, location, texture, functional loss, psychological impact, and projected future care—strong photos and expert reports raise value.

• Visible injury compensation California may recognize higher value for facial scars but demands timely reporting, AMA-Guide–based ratings, and thorough documentation.

• Wait to negotiate until near P&S when possible; premature settlements risk releasing future medical care for revision surgeries or therapy.

• Consider legal counsel when claims are denied, offers seem low, access to specialists is restricted, or third-party liability may add pain-and-suffering damages.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• What This Post Will Cover

• Who This Guide Is For

• What Is a Facial Injury Workers Compensation Claim?

• Immediate Steps After a Facial Injury

• Common Workplace Scenarios That Cause Facial Injuries

• Do You Qualify for Disfigurement Benefits for a Work Injury?

• Eligibility Criteria for Disfigurement Benefits

• Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Facial Injuries

• Third-Party Liability and Why It Matters

• How Are Scars and Disfigurement Evaluated and Valued?

• Key Factors in Scar Valuation

• Medical Exams and Evidence

• Settlement Structures and Negotiation Levers

• Visible Injury Compensation in California — What to Expect

• California-Specific Steps and Evidence

• Timelines and Reporting Deadlines in California

• Examples of California Outcomes

• Face Trauma on the Job — Medical, Functional and Psychological Consequences

• Common Facial Injuries and Treatments

• Long-Term Functional and Psychological Impacts

• Covered Medical and Rehabilitative Services

• How to Prove and Maximize a Workers Comp Scar Settlement

• Evidence Checklist for Scar Claims

• When to Settle Your Scar Claim

• Negotiation Tactics That Improve Offers

• Possible Outcomes of a Scar Claim

• Timeline, Deadlines and Procedural Steps

• Step-by-Step Process

• Claim Milestones and Typical Timelines

• Statutes and Deadlines to Know

• When to Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney and What They Do

• Clear Signs You Should Hire a Lawyer

• How Attorneys Strengthen Facial Injury Claims

• Fees, Costs, and What to Expect

• Real-World Examples / Mini Case Studies

• Practical Checklist & Next Steps

• Conclusion

• FAQ

• Do I get paid for scarring?

• How much is a facial scar worth?

• Can I get cosmetic surgery paid for?

• Can I sue for disfigurement outside workers’ comp?

• How long does a scar settlement take?

Introduction

Facial injury workers compensation covers medical care, wage loss and, in many cases, additional payments when a worker suffers visible face trauma on the job.

If you’ve experienced face trauma on the job and worry about scarring or permanent changes in your appearance, this guide explains whether you may qualify for disfigurement benefits and how a workers comp scar settlement is valued.

This article covers who qualifies, required documentation, how scars and disfigurement are evaluated, California-specific issues, timelines, negotiation tips, and when to contact an attorney.

We know facial injuries can be painful, visible, and emotionally draining. The goal here is to clarify your rights, show you what evidence matters most, and help you avoid preventable mistakes. Take photos early, keep copies of every medical record, and know that you do not have to face the process alone.

What This Post Will Cover

• Eligibility for disfigurement benefits work injury claims.

• How disfigurement benefits work and when they apply.

• How scars are evaluated and valued for settlement.

• California specifics for visible injury compensation California.

• Evidence checklist to document your claim correctly.

• Timelines from injury to P&S and settlement.

• When to hire an attorney and how they help.

• Downloadable checklist (content included below) you can print and bring to a consultation.

Who This Guide Is For

This post is for employees with face trauma on the job workers comp concerns, family members assisting injured workers, and California employees seeking visible injury compensation California. The intent is both informational (understand eligibility and valuation) and practical (steps to document and maximize your potential settlement).

What Is a Facial Injury Workers Compensation Claim?

Define “facial injury workers compensation” as a workers’ compensation claim filed when a worker sustains a facial injury (laceration, burn, fracture, nerve or dental injury) that is causally connected to workplace duties or conditions and that requires medical care or time off work. Common examples include cuts from tools, chemical or thermal burns, facial bone fractures, crush injuries, dental trauma, and nerve damage causing paralysis or sensory loss. These kinds of injuries are routinely recognized in workers’ comp systems, including California, where guidance and coverage expectations are publicly described for injured workers and employers.

Coverage generally includes medical treatment and wage replacement; it can also include compensation for lasting scarring or disfigurement depending on the state’s rules. For examples of facial injuries commonly covered, see this overview of facial and head injuries recognized in workers’ compensation, and review California’s state guidance on reporting and medical care obligations for employers and workers through the California EDD workers’ compensation page.

Immediate Steps After a Facial Injury

• Report the injury to your employer immediately. Note the person you told, the time, and method (in person, email, form).

• Seek emergency or urgent medical care; ask for written diagnoses and treatment records at every visit.

• Document the date, time, and location of the incident; collect witness names and contact information.

• Take multiple high-resolution photos of your injuries (close-ups, multiple angles, and wider context shots) and preserve any clothing or equipment involved.

California emphasizes prompt reporting and employer responsibilities for medical access; see the EDD’s employer/workers’ comp guidance for timing and coverage basics.

What to do now:

• Write down your timeline while it’s fresh.

• Ask for copies of all ER and clinic records before you leave.

• Save photos with dates and back them up to a second device.

Common Workplace Scenarios That Cause Facial Injuries

Cuts from tools and machinery, chemical or thermal burns, fractures of the nose, jaw, or orbital bones, crush injuries, dental trauma, and nerve injuries can all lead to permanent changes in appearance and function. These injury patterns are well-known in comp systems and reflected in practice summaries such as the R.M. Injury Law discussion of injuries covered.

For additional context on reporting, authorized treatment, and employer responsibilities in California, the EDD resource outlines key steps for both workers and employers after a job-related injury.

Do You Qualify for Disfigurement Benefits for a Work Injury?

Define disfigurement benefits work injury as additional workers’ compensation payments awarded when a work-related injury causes permanent, visible changes to appearance (scarring, loss of facial features, asymmetry) documented by medical evidence. While availability varies by state, claimants with permanent facial scarring or deformation often receive higher impairment ratings or separate awards, especially when strong evidence is submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for Disfigurement Benefits

• Course and scope of employment: The injury happened while performing work tasks or due to work conditions. This includes injuries that occur during assigned duties or within the workplace environment; states like California publish clear guidelines about reporting and coverage through the EDD employer/workers’ comp portal.

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement: The treating physician documents that the change to appearance is permanent and visible. Benefits summaries (including facial disfigurement and impairment ratings) are commonly referenced by practitioners and discussed by sources like Pacific Workers’ overview of workers’ comp benefits and ratings.

• P&S status: P&S means the medical condition is stable and unlikely to improve substantially with further treatment. Reaching P&S is often the point when impairment ratings and settlement discussions begin in earnest.

• Impairment rating assigned: Rating systems (such as AMA Guides or a state schedule) translate medical findings into percentages that drive payments. For background on ratings and how they affect awards, review this guide to workers comp impairment rating explained and how it relates to a transition from temporary to permanent disability.

• Possible third-party liability: If a non-employer (e.g., a manufacturer or outside contractor) caused the injury, you can pursue a separate lawsuit for broader damages while still handling your workers’ comp claim. Learn how third-party vs workers’ comp works and why pain-and-suffering damages may be available in the third-party case.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Facial Injuries

• Medical care: All reasonable and necessary treatment related to the work injury, including reconstructive surgery when medically necessary. See coverage basics via California’s employer/worker guidance and a practical summary of benefit types in Pacific Workers’ benefit overview.

• Temporary disability (TD): Payments for wage loss while you are temporarily unable to work during recovery. For context on how TD transitions, see temporary vs permanent disability workers comp.

• Permanent disability (PD): Payments for lasting loss of function or disfigurement; may include impairment ratings and supplemental benefits. Learn more in our guide to workers’ comp benefits and how ratings feed into a permanent disability calculation.

• Disfigurement-specific compensation: Some states offer separate awards or higher impairment values for visible, permanent disfigurement—availability and formulas depend on state law.

Third-Party Liability and Why It Matters

Workers’ comp usually bars lawsuits against your employer, but you may sue a responsible third party. This can add damages that workers’ comp does not pay, such as pain and suffering. Coordinating both cases properly—and managing liens—is vital for maximizing your net recovery. Learn the basics in our explainer on suing a third party while on workers’ comp.

What to do now:

• Ask your treating physician to describe permanence, visibility, and functional loss in writing.

• Confirm when you will be evaluated for P&S and what rating method will apply (AMA Guides or state schedule).

• Consider whether any outside company, property owner, or product contributed to your injury.

How Are Scars and Disfigurement Evaluated and Valued?

Define scar valuation as the combined medical, functional, aesthetic, and psychological assessment used to determine impairment ratings and settlement value for visible scarring. The ultimate workers comp scar settlement reflects both present harm and projected future care.

Key Factors in Scar Valuation

Size and depth: Clinicians measure scar length, width, and depth in centimeters or, in some systems, by affected percent of a facial zone. Larger surface area and deeper involvement typically increase impairment.

Location: Scars in high-visibility zones (central face, nose, lips, and around the eyes) command higher value because they are more noticeable in daily interaction and photos. Scars near eyelids or lips may also carry higher functional risks.

Color and texture: Hypertrophic or keloid scars, raised or thickened, often have greater cosmetic impact than flat, pale scars. Pigment changes or irregular textures may influence value.

Functional impairment: Scars that restrict facial movement or affect breathing, chewing, sight, or speech increase value significantly. Document any difficulty sealing lips, blinking, chewing certain foods, or nasal airflow reduction.

Age and occupation: Younger people and those in public-facing roles can experience outsized vocational and social effects. Claims adjusters and judges often consider these factors.

Psychological impact: PTSD, anxiety, depression, or body-image disturbance can be real and should be evaluated. Document symptoms through mental health visits and clinician notes.

Future care needs: Revision surgery, laser resurfacing, scar injections, dermatologic therapy, and counseling may be recommended. Estimates from specialists help quantify future medical costs and support higher settlements.

Medical Exams and Evidence

The treating physician must document the scar, provide P&S determination, and assign an impairment rating using applicable state guides (e.g., AMA Guides or state schedule). Insurers may also request an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to assess impairment and causation. Claimants can seek independent opinions from plastic surgeons or dermatologists to clarify permanence, measurable deformity, and functional impacts—these specialist narratives often strengthen claims. For context on benefit types and impairment ratings used in practice, see Pacific Workers’ benefits and ratings summary, and for employer/medical access obligations in California, consult the EDD guidance.

Photographic evidence standards:

• Use high-resolution images with neutral background and consistent lighting.

• Take frontal, three-quarter, and profile views; include a scale marker (e.g., ruler) when practical.

• Capture both early injury photos and current photos; embed dates and retain metadata when possible.

• Store originals securely and back up to separate devices or cloud storage.

Settlement Structures and Negotiation Levers

Lump-sum settlement: A single payment that resolves the employer/insurer’s future liability in exchange for releasing further claims. This is common when future care is predictable and the worker wants closure. Learn how structures compare in our guide to the average workers comp settlement and options.

Structured settlement or periodic payments: Regular payments over time to cover anticipated future medical care or wage loss, either by agreement or order. These can protect funds earmarked for surgeries or therapy spaced over years.

Negotiation levers: High-quality medical reports, specialist opinions, clear photos, documented functional limits, psychological evaluations, and credible cost estimates for future care (e.g., revision surgeries) typically increase offers. Coordinating this evidence with your impairment rating can materially change the number; here again, see benefits and rating overviews used in practice.

What to do now:

• Ask your doctor which edition of AMA Guides or state schedule applies and when you will be rated.

• Request written estimates for any recommended revision or laser treatments.

• Take a standardized set of photos monthly until P&S to document healing and permanence.

Visible Injury Compensation in California — What to Expect

Visible injury compensation California is shaped by state statutes, administrative rules, and local practice—California often recognizes higher impairment/value for facial scars but strict documentation is required. Many claimants see higher consideration for facial scarring in PPD awards or in settlement negotiations, especially when evidence is complete and timely.

For practical expectations, compare benefit types and impairment discussions used by practitioners like Pacific Workers, and always anchor your reporting and medical access to official state guidance such as the California EDD overview of employer/worker responsibilities.

California-Specific Steps and Evidence

• Report the injury to your employer immediately and submit the DWC-1 claim form promptly; filing within 30 days is strongly recommended to preserve rights. Use our quick guide to the DWC-1 form for steps and tips.

• Seek treatment from authorized physicians or request authorization for specialists (plastic surgeon, dermatologist) when warranted. If questions arise about doctor choice, see our explainer on choosing a workers’ comp doctor.

• Obtain P&S determination and an impairment rating consistent with California practice (typically referencing AMA Guides with state-specific conversion to PPD). Learn how ratings influence payouts in our impairment rating guide.

• Compile high-quality photos, specialist opinions, operative reports, and documented psychological care.

• Consult counsel experienced in California facial-injury valuation to assemble evidence and protect timelines. See our California workers comp laws guide for a broader roadmap.

Timelines and Reporting Deadlines in California

Minor lacerations may reach P&S in weeks to a few months. Severe burns, fractures, or staged reconstructions may take 6–18 months or longer before a doctor declares stability and assigns ratings. Prompt reporting and form filing are crucial; see the EDD guidance on reporting and medical coverage to avoid jeopardizing benefits.

Examples of California Outcomes

Where scarring is visible and permanent, California claimants often receive higher impairment ratings, leading to increased PPD awards or supporting a lump-sum workers comp scar settlement. The quality of your photo record, specialist evaluations, and future-care cost estimates often determines the difference between a modest and a more substantial resolution.

What to do now:

• Submit a DWC-1 and keep a copy for your records.

• Track your appointments, symptoms, and work limitations in a simple diary.

• Ask for written P&S documents and the rating report once issued.

Face Trauma on the Job — Medical, Functional and Psychological Consequences

Facial injuries can be both physically and emotionally challenging. The right diagnosis and documentation can help you get the care you need and support an accurate valuation of your claim. Coverage for treatment is a core workers’ comp benefit. For California’s overview of employer and worker responsibilities regarding medical coverage, see the EDD page, and for a practical summary of benefit types, consult Pacific Workers’ guide to benefits and impairment.

Common Facial Injuries and Treatments

• Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require sutures and can leave linear scars. Treatment includes wound closure, scar management, and possible revision surgery.

• Burns (chemical/thermal): May cause hypertrophic scarring or contractures. Treatment involves debridement, skin grafting, laser therapy, and staged reconstruction.

• Facial fractures (nasal, orbital, mandible): Often require ORIF (open reduction internal fixation); may lead to long-term asymmetry or bite changes.

• Nerve injuries: Facial nerve damage can cause paralysis or asymmetric expression; care may include nerve grafts, therapy, and reconstructive procedures.

• Dental and alveolar injuries: Affect appearance and function; may require dental surgery, implants, or prosthetics.

Long-Term Functional and Psychological Impacts

• Sensory loss: Vision, smell, or taste changes; light sensitivity; dry-eye issues due to eyelid scarring.

• Speech and eating difficulties: Limited lip seal, jaw dysfunction, or dental loss can alter nutrition and communication.

• Airway impairment: Nasal obstruction or scarring that affects breathing or sleep.

• Psychological harm: PTSD, social anxiety, depression, and body-image disturbance are common and should be documented through mental health care.

Covered Medical and Rehabilitative Services

Emergency care, reconstructive and revision surgery, scar therapy (e.g., silicone sheeting, injections), dermatology, dental care, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health counseling can be covered when medically necessary and related to the injury. See the state’s overview at the California EDD workers’ comp guidance, and a practitioner-oriented benefits summary by Pacific Workers.

What to do now:

• Request specialty referrals if scarring limits facial movement or causes pain.

• Include mental health notes and diagnoses in your records when applicable.

• Keep receipts and a log of treatment sessions and mileage.

How to Prove and Maximize a Workers Comp Scar Settlement

Strong evidence is the best lever for a higher workers comp scar settlement. Insurance carriers value clarity, consistency, and credible expert support. The closer you are to P&S, the easier it is to quantify permanence and future care needs, which can move your settlement number upward. For an overview of benefit categories and how impairment ratings drive payments, see Pacific Workers’ summary.

Evidence Checklist for Scar Claims

• High-quality before/after photos with dates and metadata; include frontal, three-quarter, and profile views; use a neutral background and measurement scale.

• Complete, dated medical records and a treatment chronology: ER reports, clinic notes, imaging, therapy notes.

• Operative reports and anesthesia notes for each procedure.

• Specialist reports (plastic surgeon, dermatologist) addressing permanence and future revisions.

• Psychological/psychiatric records documenting emotional impacts, diagnoses, therapy notes, and medications.

• Employer incident report, safety documentation, and equipment failure records if applicable.

• Witness statements describing what happened and how the injury changed appearance and function.

• Cost estimates for anticipated future care (surgeon quotes, dermatology/laser estimates, therapy).

When to Settle Your Scar Claim

Most claimants benefit from waiting until P&S before finalizing a settlement because the impairment and future care picture is clearer. Settling early can trade certainty for the risk that future treatment won’t be covered under a release.

Do not sign a final release until your treating physician has placed you at P&S unless you understand and accept that future benefits for the condition will be released.

Negotiation Tactics That Improve Offers

• Obtain an independent plastic surgeon’s report explaining scar permanence, aesthetic deficits, and functional impact.

• Use psychological evidence to support non-economic impairment where the system allows it to affect ratings or value.

• Present written cost estimates for revision and dermatologic care to justify higher lump-sum demands.

• Compare structures: Calculate the present value of future care versus a lump sum. See our guide to average workers comp settlement structures for examples and tradeoffs.

Possible Outcomes of a Scar Claim

• Lump-sum scar settlement in exchange for a release of future claims related to the injury.

• Higher permanent disability award due to increased impairment percentage or supplemental benefits.

• Vocational retraining or rehabilitation when functional impairment limits return to your prior role. Explore how PD and return-to-work interplay in a temporary vs permanent disability transition.

What to do now:

• Ask your doctor to include measurable descriptors in your chart (e.g., scar length/width, color/texture, range-of-motion limits).

• Request written estimates for every potential future procedure.

• Organize evidence in a single folder (photos, reports, receipts) to share during negotiations.

Timeline, Deadlines and Procedural Steps

Every claim is unique, but facial injury cases tend to follow a predictable arc from incident to stabilization and resolution. Timely reporting, consistent treatment, and organized records ease the process. For official California guidance on reporting and medical coverage, review the EDD employer/workers’ comp page.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Report the injury to your employer right away and keep a copy of your written report or email.

2. Seek emergency treatment; ensure the provider notes that the cause was work-related.

3. File a workers’ comp claim form. In California, report within 30 days to preserve rights. See our guide on how to file a workers compensation claim and the DWC-1 form.

4. Follow authorized medical treatment and attend all appointments; ask for copies of records at each visit.

5. Keep a contemporaneous diary noting dates, symptoms, pain levels, medications, work limits, and missed time.

Claim Milestones and Typical Timelines

• Initial medical care and investigation: days to weeks.

• Temporary disability payments if off work: weeks to months.

• Ongoing treatment and stabilization: months; serious burns/fractures can require 6–18 months before P&S.

• P&S determination and impairment rating: issued when your condition is stable; this is a key input for settlement and PD awards. See how ratings affect payouts in our impairment rating explainer.

• Settlement negotiation or administrative hearing: often months after P&S, depending on disputes and required evaluations.

Statutes and Deadlines to Know

California claimants should report work injuries as soon as possible; failure to report within 30 days can jeopardize benefits. Review the EDD employer/workers’ comp guidance for reminders on reporting, medical access, and timelines. Deadlines vary by state, so verify with local counsel and use our time-limit-to-file overview to understand common rules.

What to do now:

• Submit your claim form and keep proof of submission.

• Set calendar reminders for medical appointments and follow-ups.

• If your employer delays reporting, learn steps to move the claim forward with our employer delaying report guide.

When to Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney and What They Do

You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim, but facial disfigurement cases often involve complex medical proof, high-value ratings, and potential third-party issues. A skilled attorney can coordinate the medical and legal pieces so your claim is presented clearly and on time.

Clear Signs You Should Hire a Lawyer

• Claim denied or disputed by the insurer.

• Offer seems unreasonably low given impairment, functional limits, or projected future care.

• Significant or disfiguring facial injury with likely revision or staged surgeries.

• Employer/insurer directs care in a way that limits access to needed specialists.

• Complex third-party liability potential (manufacturer defect, negligent contractor, dangerous premises).

How Attorneys Strengthen Facial Injury Claims

• Retain and coordinate medical experts (plastic surgeons, dermatologists, psychiatrists).

• Review records and assemble independent medical reports addressing permanence and function.

• Calculate damages including future medical costs, earning capacity issues, and emotional impact where recognized.

• Negotiate lump-sum settlements or represent you at conferences, hearings, and appeals.

• File third-party cases when appropriate and manage lien/subrogation issues to maximize net recovery.

Fees, Costs, and What to Expect

Most workers’ comp attorneys work on contingency—fees are collected only if you recover. Ask for a written fee agreement explaining the percentage, out-of-pocket costs, and whether costs are reimbursed from your award. For general help deciding, see our practical guide: do I need a workers comp lawyer?

Real-World Examples / Mini Case Studies

These illustrations show how documentation, treatment, and timing can affect outcomes. They are scenarios, not promises.

Case A — Minor laceration: Worker cut cheek on machinery; healed with small linear scar; received a modest PPD award added to wage-loss. Takeaway: Document early and preserve photos. Illustrative, not legal advice; results vary.

Case B — Severe burn and contracture: Worker sustained chemical burns to nose and upper lip requiring grafting and staged revisions. P&S reached after 18 months. Settlement included a lump-sum for future revision surgery and an increased PPD rating. Takeaway: Future care estimates raise settlement value. Illustrative, not legal advice; results vary.

Case C — Third-party product defect: Defective safety guard caused a facial crush/laceration. Workers’ comp covered medical care and TD; a third-party product-liability suit against the manufacturer added pain-and-suffering damages. Takeaway: Explore third-party claims when non-employer fault exists. Illustrative, not legal advice; results vary.

For insight on combining comp with outside claims, see our overview of third-party vs workers’ comp. For general benefits and PD concepts, refer to what benefits does workers comp cover and impairment rating explained.

Practical Checklist & Next Steps

Use this printable list to organize your evidence. Bring copies to your initial meeting with a medical provider or attorney.

• Report injury to your employer (date/time/person).

• Seek emergency treatment and save all medical records.

• Take dated, high-resolution photos (before/after if possible).

• Collect witness names and contact info.

• Keep all treatment receipts and bills.

• Request a referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist when warranted.

• Track time off work and wage-loss documentation.

• Do not sign settlement releases until you consult counsel or reach P&S.

• Bring this checklist and copies of records to your workers’ comp consultation.

To understand filing basics and protect deadlines, review our guides to how to file a workers’ comp claim and the DWC-1 claim form.

Conclusion

Facial injury cases are personal, visible, and often complex. Solid evidence—clear photos, specific medical documentation, and realistic future-care estimates—drives fair valuation. In California, timely reporting, P&S ratings, and adherence to authorized care rules can meaningfully affect visible injury compensation California outcomes. If your injury resulted in permanent, visible scarring, focus on documentation from day one and understand how impairment ratings translate into benefits and potential settlement structures.

This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified workers’ compensation attorney.

Need help now? Get a free and instant case evaluation by US Work Accident Lawyers. See if your case qualifies within 30-seconds at https://usworkaccidentlawyer.com.

FAQ

Do I get paid for scarring?

Short answer: yes if scarring is permanent, visible, and causally related to a work injury and properly documented; the award depends on your impairment rating and state rules. In many states, facial injury workers compensation can increase value due to the visibility of facial scars, especially when a treating doctor confirms permanence and issues a rating at P&S.

How much is a facial scar worth?

There’s no fixed number. Workers comp scar settlement value depends on size, location, color/texture, functional loss, age, occupation, and psychological impact. Documentation—specialist reports, high-quality photos, and future-care estimates—helps quantify the claim and support higher offers.

Can I get cosmetic surgery paid for?

If the surgery is medically necessary to restore function or treat complications of the work injury, it is generally covered; purely cosmetic elective surgery is usually not covered. When in doubt, ask your treating doctor to explain medical necessity in writing and follow state authorization rules.

Can I sue for disfigurement outside workers’ comp?

Only when a third party (not the employer or a co-worker) caused the injury. Workers’ comp typically bars suing the employer, but a separate third-party case can add pain-and-suffering damages not available in comp. Coordinate both to avoid benefit and lien issues.

How long does a scar settlement take?

It can take several months to years depending on medical stabilization (reaching P&S), the need for surgeries, and whether the insurer disputes causation, permanence, or ratings. Many facial injury workers compensation cases settle after the rating is issued because impairment and future care are clearer.