Is a scar automatically worth more than a healed bite with no scarring?

Generally yes, permanent visible scarring adds a separate category of damages beyond medical bills, especially on the face, hands, or other exposed areas.

What if my scar might improve with future surgery?

A lawyer can factor in the projected cost of future reconstructive procedures even if you haven't had them yet.

Do scars on children get treated differently?

Often yes, because a scar on a growing child may change in appearance over time and carries additional emotional and developmental considerations.

Compensation for scarring and disfigurement after a dog bite

Scarring cases are valued differently than a typical injury claim because they factor in permanent cosmetic damage, not just medical bills and lost wages. This page is for people who already know their bite left visible or lasting marks and want to understand how that changes the claim.

Lawyers handling these cases often work with plastic surgeons or medical experts to document the scar's size, location, and whether it will need future reconstructive surgery, skin grafts, or laser treatment. Facial scars, scars on children, and scars in visible areas typically carry higher settlement values because they affect a person's appearance and quality of life long-term.

Get a medical opinion on whether the scar is permanent or will fade with treatment
Keep records of every treatment tried, from silicone sheets to surgical revision
Photograph the scar's progression over months, not just right after the injury

What it costs

These claims are still handled on contingency in most cases, but attorneys may need to front costs for expert medical testimony on scarring severity and future treatment needs, which is factored into the final settlement rather than billed upfront.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for scarring & disfigurement claims.

1. Loewy Law Firm
5.0★ · 263 reviews

95
2. TK Injury Lawyers: Austin Personal Injury Lawyer
5.0★ · 227 reviews

95
3. Anderson Injury Lawyers Austin
5.0★ · 202 reviews

94

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FAQ

Is a scar automatically worth more than a healed bite with no scarring?: Generally yes, permanent visible scarring adds a separate category of damages beyond medical bills, especially on the face, hands, or other exposed areas.
What if my scar might improve with future surgery?: A lawyer can factor in the projected cost of future reconstructive procedures even if you haven't had them yet.
Do scars on children get treated differently?: Often yes, because a scar on a growing child may change in appearance over time and carries additional emotional and developmental considerations.