Facial injuries are among the most traumatic workplace injuries you can experience. They can happen in virtually any workplace, from construction sites to bustling restaurants or busy warehouses. Common causes include falls, impacts from machinery, chemical exposure, burns, and even assaults by customers or coworkers.
Beyond the physical pain and medical expenses, these injuries often cause emotional distress and impact your self-esteem—especially if there’s scarring involved. Fortunately, workers’ compensation can help ease some of the financial burdens these injuries bring.
In this guide, our Las Vegas work related injury attorneys share what workers’ compensation insurance may cover for facial injuries and what steps to take to strengthen your claim so that you can receive the full compensation you deserve.
(KamranAydinov/Freepik)
Understanding the Impact of Facial Scarring
Many facial injuries will heal completely, but others will leave stubborn scars, such as keloid scars. People with darker skin or those between the ages of 10 and 30 are more prone to these types of raised, red scars, which can be difficult to treat.
Contractures are another type of hard-to-treat scar. Contractures occur with injuries that cover a large surface area. The scars pull the edges of the skin together, which affects facial movement. Contractures can be repaired, but only through surgical skin grafts.
Facial scarring is unique because it is so visible and can significantly influence your personal and professional life. You might experience lasting emotional effects, including embarrassment, anxiety, or reduced confidence, particularly if your job involves frequent customer interactions.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation generally covers medical expenses related to workplace facial injuries. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care like physical therapy or cosmetic procedures. Workers’ comp typically covers necessary reconstructive or plastic surgery if your injuries result in significant disfigurement or functional impairment.
Because facial scarring can affect your emotional well-being and career opportunities, the workers’ compensation system may provide additional benefits. Depending on several factors, you may be eligible for permanent disability. This can be determined based on factors like the severity of your injury (and attendant scarring) and the impact your injury has on your current and future earning capacity.
Permanent disability can be partial or total. With permanent partial disability, you can still work, but only in a limited capacity. Your payout will be based on the percentage assigned to your injury in relation to your salary. In Nevada, you can collect permanent partial disability until age 70.
With permanent total disability, you are determined to be unable to work and collect two-thirds of your salary for life.
Steps to Take After a Facial Injury at Work
If you can follow these steps after sustaining a facial injury on the job, you can maximize your chances for healing and for full compensation and benefits:
- Report Your Injury to Your Employer: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible, clearly explaining how and where your injury occurred. Prompt reporting ensures you meet Nevada’s workers’ compensation deadlines and procedures.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: After reporting your injury, you will likely be directed to a list of physicians who are associated with your employer’s insurance company. See a doctor as soon as possible. This ensures you get the proper medical care before your injury gets worse. If your doctor requests that you return for follow-up appointments or start additional therapies, show up on time and comply with any recommended therapies.
- Document Everything: Don’t depend on your employer or their insurance company to document your case. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, prescriptions, and doctor visits. Take clear photographs of your injuries and scars, updating these regularly throughout your healing process.
When Should You Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Facial injury and scarring claims can quickly become complex, particularly when insurers deny the full compensation for your medical treatment or lost wages or decline to pay for cosmetic procedures. When disputes arise, you’ll want to consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney near you. They can gather crucial medical evidence and bring in expert testimony to strengthen your claim and help you get fair compensation.
Protecting Yourself from Workplace Facial Injuries
Prevention is always the best strategy when it comes to facial injuries at work. Take these proactive measures to minimize risks:
- Always wear protective equipment provided by your employer, such as goggles, face shields, helmets, or masks
- Maintain a clean, organized workspace free from hazards like spills or clutter
- Don’t use poorly maintained equipment
- Stay aware and cautious, especially in environments where facial injuries are more likely, such as construction sites or kitchens.
Recovering from Facial Injuries with Confidence
In most cases, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance can provide the care you need to heal properly and minimize scarring. They should also cover lost wages due to missed work and even future wages if you can no longer work—or work in the same capacity.
Report promptly, comply with recommended medical care and therapies, and document your case thoroughly. Reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if your employer is not upholding their end of the bargain when it comes to compensating you for your facial injuries.