Can Stitches Resulting from a Car Accident be Compensated? 

Key Points: 

• Stitches, also called sutures, are a common way medical professionals use to close wounds and lacerations  
• Stitches are used to close the wound to minimize the risk of infection and to minimize scarring 
• Suturing or stitching a wound after an event like a car accident is one of the medical procedures and costs that can and should be included in the insurance settlement 

• Scarring can still be a problem the victim must cope with after an accident, and could be an important part of your insurance claim 

Why are Stitches Necessary after a Car Accident? 

Stitches are often necessary after a car accident, especially if the accident caused a laceration (deep cut) or puncture wound. Lacerations and puncture wounds can be caused by broken glass, metal, or other debris from the accident. They can also be caused by contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, seat belts, or other surfaces in the vehicle. 

There are several reasons why might require stitches after a car accident.  

First, stitches can help to close the wound and prevent infection. If a wound is left open, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. This can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis. 

Second, stitches can help to reduce scarring. When a wound heals, the body produces scar tissue. Scar tissue can be unsightly and can also cause pain and discomfort. Stitches can help to reduce the amount of scar tissue that forms. 

Third, stitches can improve the appearance of the wound. Stitches can help to align the edges of the wound and create a smooth, even surface. This can be especially important for cuts on the face or other visible areas of the body. 

Types of stitches used after a car accident 

There are two main types of stitches that are used after a car accident: absorbable and non-absorbable stitches. The type of stitch used will depend on the severity of the wound and its location. 

• Absorbable stitches dissolve on their own over time. They are typically made of materials such as polyglycolic acid or polydioxanone. Absorbable stitches are often used for internal wounds or wounds that are not under a lot of tension. 

• Non-absorbable stitches do not dissolve on their own. They must be removed by a doctor or other healthcare professional. Non-absorbable stitches are typically made of materials such as nylon or polyester. Non-absorbable stitches are often used for external wounds or wounds that are under a lot of tension. 

Procedure for getting stitches 

The procedure for getting stitches is relatively simple. First, the doctor will clean the wound and remove any debris. They may also numb the area around the wound with a local anesthetic. 

Next, the doctor will insert the stitches into the skin in a way similar to sewing two edges of fabric together. The number of stitches needed will depend on the size and severity of the wound. 

Once the stitches are in place, the doctor will tie or clip them together. The doctor will then cover the wound with a bandage. 

What to expect after getting stitches 

After getting stitches, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry. You should also avoid strenuous activity, as this can put stress on the wound and cause it to tear open. 

The doctor will likely give you specific instructions on how to care for your stitches. It is important to follow these instructions carefully. 

Most stitches are removed within 7 to 10 days. However, some stitches may need to be removed sooner or later, depending on the severity of the wound and the type of stitches that were used. 

How Can You Recover the Cost and Consequences of Having Stitches? 

You may be compensated for stitches after a car accident if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Negligence is when someone fails to act reasonably and their actions cause harm to another person. 

In order to be compensated for stitches, you will need to prove that the other person was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. You will also need to prove the extent of your injuries and the cost of your medical treatment. 

There are a number of factors that can affect the amount of compensation you receive for stitches, including: 

• The severity of your injuries 
• The cost of your medical treatment 

• The impact your injuries have had on your life, such as your ability to work and participate in activities 
• Whether you have any permanent scarring from your injuries  

Scarring can Change Your Life 

Scarring is a permanent change in the texture, color, and/or appearance of the skin. It occurs as the result of a wound when the body produces collagen, a type of protein, to heal a wound. Collagen can be produced unevenly, which can lead to scarring. 

In the course of settling a car accident claim, scarring can be an important part of the settlement. Scarring after a car accident can be compensable because it can have a significant impact on the victim’s life. Scars can be unsightly, and they can also cause pain and discomfort. Scars can also limit a person’s movement and range of motion. In some cases, scars can even interfere with a person’s ability to work or participate in activities. 

Types of Scars 

There are many different types of scars, including: 

• Keloid scars: These scars are raised and red, and they can extend beyond the original wound. 
• Contracture scars: These scars tighten the skin around the wound, which can limit movement. 
• Hypertrophic scars: These scars are raised and thick, but they do not extend beyond the original wound. 

• Atrophic scars: These scars are sunken and indented. 

If you have been injured in a car accident and have scarring, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, including the cost of scar revision surgery as well as pain and suffering. 

What Kind of Scars Might be Compensable? 

Here are a few examples of the types of scarring for which you might be compensated after a car accident: 

• A scar across the face that is visible and disfiguring. 

• A scar on the hand that limits movement and makes it difficult to grip objects. 
• A scar on the leg that limits movement and makes it difficult to walk or run. 
• A scar on the back that causes pain and discomfort. 
• A scar on the abdomen that causes pain and discomfort, or that makes it difficult to wear certain types of clothing. 

How is Compensation for Scarring Typically Calculated? 

It is important to note that there is no set formula for calculating the amount of compensation for scarring. The amount of compensation will vary depending on the specific facts of the case. If you have been injured in a car accident and have scarring, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options. 

Typically, the amount of compensation for scarring after a car accident is calculated by considering a number of factors, including: 

• Severity: The severity of the scarring is one of the most important factors in determining the amount of compensation. More severe scarring, such as keloid scars or scars that are deep and indented, will generally result in higher compensation. 
• Location: The location of the scarring is also an important factor. Scars on the face or other visible areas of the body are generally considered to be more disfiguring and will therefore result in higher compensation. Scars on less visible areas of the body, such as the back or abdomen, will generally result in lower compensation. 
• Visibility: The visibility of the scarring is also a factor. Scars that are more visible, such as scars on the face or hands, will generally result in higher compensation. Scars that are less visible, such as scars on the scalp or under clothing, will generally result in lower compensation. 

• Impact: The impact of the scarring on the person’s life is also a factor. Scars can cause pain and discomfort, limit movement, and interfere with a person’s ability to work or participate in activities. Scars can also have a negative impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. The greater the impact of the scarring on the person’s life, the higher the compensation will be. 

In addition to these factors, the amount of compensation for scarring may also be affected by the following: 

• The age of the person who was injured 
• The person’s occupation 
• The cost of scar revision surgery 

• The person’s pain and suffering 

Example 

Here is an example of how the amount of compensation for scarring might be calculated: 

• Severity of the scarring: Severe keloid scar on the face 
• Location of the scarring: Face 

• Visibility of the scarring: Very visible 
• Impact of the scarring on the person’s life: Causes pain and discomfort, limits movement, and interferes with the person’s ability to work and socialize 

In this case, the person who was injured would likely be entitled to a significant amount of compensation for their scarring. The compensation would likely be higher than the compensation that would be awarded for a less severe scar, a scar in a less visible location, or a scar that had a lesser impact on the person’s life. 

Medical Professionals Who are Able to Stitch Accident Victims’ Wounds 

If you have an injury that requires stitches, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing. The following medical professionals are qualified to stitch up injuries: 

• Emergency physicians (EPs): EPs are trained to treat a wide range of medical emergencies, including injuries that require stitches. They are typically the first medical professionals to see patients with injuries, and they can perform stitches on-site in the emergency department. 
• Family physicians (FPs): FPs are primary care physicians who can treat a wide range of medical conditions, including injuries that require stitches. They may perform stitches in their office or refer patients to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, for more complex injuries. 
• Dermatologists: Dermatologists are specialists in the skin, hair, and nails. They can perform stitches on injuries to the skin, such as cuts and lacerations. 
• Plastic surgeons: Plastic surgeons are specialists in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. They can perform stitches on injuries to the face, hands, and other visible areas of the body. 

In addition to these medical professionals, some nurses and paramedics are also trained to perform stitches. However, they typically only perform stitches on minor injuries in the field or in prehospital settings. 

When you are in an Emergency Room setting, you may have little input about which medical professional will install your stitches. The ER personnel will evaluate a number of factors in choosing who will stitch you up.  

The severity of your injury and its location will play an important part in this decision. 

 If you have a minor injury, such as a small cut or laceration, you may be able to get stitches from a nurse or paramedic. However, if you have a more severe injury, such as a deep cut or laceration, you should see a doctor, such as an EP, FP, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon. 

There are situations in which it’s best to get stitches from a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons are specialists in reconstructing and repairing damaged tissue, and they have the skills and experience to minimize scarring and other complications. 

Here are some specific situations in which it’s best to get stitches from a plastic surgeon: 

• Cuts on the face or other visible areas of the body: Plastic surgeons can use specialized techniques to close cuts on the face and other visible areas of the body in a way that minimizes scarring. 
• Complex lacerations: Complex lacerations, such as those that involve multiple layers of tissue or that are located in difficult-to-reach areas, may be best treated by a plastic surgeon. 
• Wounds that require microsurgery: Microsurgery is a specialized type of surgery that involves using tiny instruments to repair very small structures, such as nerves and blood vessels. Plastic surgeons are experts in microsurgery and can use this technique to repair wounds that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to treat. 
• Wounds that require reconstruction: Wounds that involve significant tissue loss or damage may require reconstruction. Plastic surgeons can use a variety of techniques to reconstruct damaged tissue, including skin grafts, tissue flaps, and microsurgery. 

If you have a wound that is in any of the above categories, you should consider seeing a plastic surgeon to discuss your treatment options. Plastic surgeons can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your wound, both in terms of function and appearance. 

Here are some additional benefits of getting stitches from a plastic surgeon: 

• Plastic surgeons have a deep understanding of the anatomy of the skin and other tissues, which allows them to close wounds in a way that minimizes scarring. 
• Plastic surgeons have the skills and experience to use a variety of suture techniques, which allows them to customize the closure to the specific needs of the wound. 
• Plastic surgeons can use specialized dressings and materials to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. 

• Plastic surgeons can provide follow-up care to monitor the healing process and address any concerns that may arise. 

If you are unsure whether or not you should see a plastic surgeon for stitches, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a specialist. 

How Are Stitches Valued in a Car Accident Claim? 

The value of stitches in a car accident claim depends on a number of factors, including: 

• The severity of the injury 

• The cost of medical treatment 
• The impact of the injury on the person’s life 

Severity of the injury 

The severity of the injury is the most important factor in determining the value of stitches. More severe injuries, such as deep cuts or lacerations that require multiple stitches, will generally result in higher compensation. Less severe injuries, such as minor cuts that only require a few stitches, will generally result in lower compensation. 

Cost of medical treatment 

The cost of medical treatment is another important factor. The more expensive the medical treatment, the higher the compensation will be. This includes the cost of the stitches themselves, as well as the cost of any other medical care that is needed, such as anesthesia and pain medication. 

Impact of the injury on the person’s life 

The impact of the injury on the person’s life is also a factor. If the injury has caused pain and discomfort, limited movement, or interfered with the person’s ability to work or participate in activities, this will increase the value of the claim. 

In addition to these factors, the value of a car accident claim for stitches may also be affected by the following: 

• The age of the person who was injured 

• The person’s occupation 
• The person’s pain and suffering 
• The liability of the other driver 

How to Get Compensated for Stitches after a Car Accident 

If you have been injured in a car accident and need stitches, you may be entitled to compensation. To get compensated, you will need to file a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance company. 

To file a car accident claim, you will need to provide the insurance company with the following information: 

• Your contact information 
• The other driver’s contact information 
• The date, time, and location of the accident 
• A description of the accident 

• A copy of the police report (if one was filed) 
• A copy of your medical bills 

The insurance company will then investigate your claim and determine whether you are entitled to compensation. If the insurance company determines that you are entitled to compensation, they will offer you a settlement. 

At The Millar Law Firm, we always encourage accident victims to consult with an attorney before discussing any kind of settlement with the insurance company. By speaking with a legal professional, victims can better understand their legal rights and options for settlement. Often, having this information keeps accident victims from underestimating the value of their claim and settling for less than what they will need to recover what they’ve lost. 

Can Future Medical Treatments for Scar Reduction be Included in Compensation? 

The treatment of scarring can be a long-term problem, and it may require ongoing treatment to manage the symptoms and improve the appearance of the scar. 

The types of future treatment for scarring that may be compensable include: 

• Scar revision surgery 
• Laser scar removal 
• Microdermabrasion 

• Chemical peels 
• Injections of fillers or corticosteroids 
• Physical therapy 

The amount of compensation for future treatment for scarring will depend on the severity of the scarring, the type of treatment that is needed, and the cost of the treatment. 

To be eligible for compensation for future treatment for scarring, you will need to prove that the scarring is likely to require ongoing treatment. You will also need to prove the estimated cost of the future treatment. 

You can prove the need for future treatment for scarring by providing medical evidence, such as a letter from your doctor or a medical report. You can prove the estimated cost of the future treatment by providing quotes from medical providers or by conducting research on the cost of similar treatments. 

If you are seeking compensation for future treatment for scarring, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case for compensation. 

Types of Evidence for Validating Stitch-Related Claims from Car Accidents 

To prove damages from scarring in a car accident claim, you will need to provide evidence of the following: 

• The existence of the scarring: You can provide evidence of the scarring by providing medical records, such as photographs of the scars or a doctor’s report. 

• The cause of the scarring: You can provide evidence of the cause of the scarring by providing testimony from yourself, eyewitnesses, or medical experts. 
• The impact of the scarring on your life: You can provide evidence of the impact of the scarring on your life by providing testimony from yourself, friends and family, and medical experts. This evidence can include information about the pain and discomfort caused by the scarring, any limitations on your movement or activities, and any psychological or emotional distress caused by the scarring. 

Here are some specific types of evidence that you may want to collect to prove damages from scarring in a car accident claim: 

• Medical records: Medical records can provide evidence of the existence, cause, and impact of the scarring. This includes records of your initial treatment, any follow-up care, and any surgeries or other procedures that you have had to treat the scarring. 
• Photographs: Photographs can provide visual evidence of the scarring and its impact on your appearance. 

• Expert testimony: Expert testimony from a medical expert, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, can provide information about the severity of the scarring, the likelihood of future treatment, and the impact of the scarring on your life including the potential for future pain and suffering. 
• Testimony from friends and family: Friends and family members can testify about the impact of the scarring on your life, such as how it has affected your ability to participate in activities or how it has made you feel about yourself. 
• Testimony from yourself: You can testify about the pain and discomfort caused by the scarring, any limitations on your movement or your usual activities, and any psychological or emotional distress caused by the scarring. 

Once you have collected evidence of the existence, cause, and impact of the scarring, you can use this evidence to negotiate with the insurance company or to support your case in court.