- Is it true that women receive a higher settlement of facial scar compensation than men?
- Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor, Editor in Chief
Question:
Is it true that women receive a higher settlement of facial scar compensation than men?
Answer:
The amount of compensation that is awarded in a facial scar compensation claim depends on the severity of the scar, but can be influenced by the sex of the victim and their age. The law regards facial looks to be of greater importance to women than to men and, although a physical injury may be identical in two separate male/female claims, an allowance will be made in a facial scar compensation settlement for the psychological trauma a woman experiences due to her injury.
The younger a claimant is, the more likely they are to receive a higher amount of facial scar compensation, as it is considered that a younger person will have to live longer with the disfigurement. There have also been cases where young claimants of facial scar compensation are awarded special damages to cover the cost of plastic surgery to remove a facial scar.
The Book of Quantum – the Injuries Board Ireland´s guide to levels of personal injury compensation – does not cover facial scar compensation, so if you would like to know more about the degrees of facial scarring which qualify for facial scarring compensation, it is advisable to discuss your case with a solicitor at the earliest opportunity.