The lack of a protective outer shell in motorcycle accidents leaves riders vulnerable to debilitating harm such as spinal cord and brain damage. In some crashes, victims escape life-threatening or disabling injuries but are left with traumatic scarring.
When these scars affect the faces of accident victims, their trauma is far from over. In most situations, it is just beginning. Severe facial scarring impacts these victims physically, socially and psychologically.
How do scars affect victims psychologically and socially?
It is undeniably hard to live with facial disfigurement and scarring. Even if others tell you that the scars are not very noticeable, it is all you see when you look in a mirror. Examples of the psychological effects of face scars include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of self-esteem
- Embarrassment or shame
- Loss of self-confidence
- Fear of social interactions
These psychological effects are usually accompanied by physical hardships that last for years or a lifetime. Motorcycle accident victims typically experience pain, itching and other abnormal sensations after facial injuries and deep scarring. When scarring forms on top of joints (temporomandibular or jaw joints), contractures (tightening) can reduce the ability to move the jaw correctly.
What are the treatments for face scars?
It is not possible to cure or reverse a traumatic scar. However, the victim may benefit from medical treatments such as:
- Contracture prevention (pressure, physical therapy, etc.)
- Cryosurgery (freezing) and irradiation
- Laser resurfacing and micro-needling
- Steroid injections and surgical procedures
- Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion
Unfortunately, these treatments take time to work and are expensive. Most Rolla, Missouri, motorcycle accident victims cannot afford extensive medical care for facial scarring.
Financial compensation from an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can help victims get the healthcare they need. Learning more about state accident and injury compensation can help victims find a remedy.
