Scarring is a distinct category in the Judicial College Guidelines - not a sub-component of the underlying wound injury. JCG 17th edition (April 2024) runs separate facial and body scarring brackets, with facial scarring reaching six-figure sums in severe cases, particularly for young claimants (under 30) with significant psychological reaction. A claim arising from a facial laceration in an RTA, a dog bite, a burn, a workplace machinery incident, or an assault typically layers three things - the underlying injury, the scarring category, and any psychological sequelae - to produce the settlement.
Casibus works with SRA-regulated personal injury specialists on a no win, no fee basis. Every case depends on its evidence.
JCG 17th edition facial scarring brackets
Very severe facial scarring
In relatively young claimants (typically under 30), where the scarring is very disfiguring and the psychological reaction is severe, JCG values general damages at mid-five to low-six figures (17th edition figures in the approximate range of £36,340 to £118,790 at the time of publication). This is the single highest scarring category and reflects the disproportionate life-long impact of visible facial disfigurement in a young claimant.
Less severe scarring
Where the scarring is still substantial and the psychological reaction is significant but less severe. Typically mid four-figures to mid-five-figures.
Significant scarring
The worst effects are reduced by plastic surgery, leaving some cosmetic disability, and any psychological reaction is not markedly severe. Low to mid four-figures to low five-figures.
Less significant scarring
One or two minor scars on the face, or scars on the forehead or jaw with good cosmetic outcome.
Trivial scarring
Minimal marks; bottom of the scarring brackets.
JCG body scarring brackets
Body scarring (not face) is valued differently - a single noticeable scar or a small number of superficial scars on a limb, hand, or chest / back typically sits in the low-to-mid four-figure range; a cluster of multiple noticeable scars, or a large disfiguring scar, typically sits in the mid to high four-figure range; very extensive body scarring from burns or degloving injury, particularly in visible areas, attracts higher figures and often crosses into or alongside the burns / specific body-part categories.
Burns scarring - a parallel structure
Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation) produce a distinctive scarring pattern - hypertrophic / keloid scar, contractures restricting movement, altered pigmentation, and photosensitivity. JCG treats burns injury in its own right and often in combination with scarring and - where relevant - lung damage (from smoke / chemical inhalation). Specialist burns units (e.g. Chelsea and Westminster, Morriston Swansea, Broomfield Chelmsford) deliver the clinical framework; long-term scar management runs to tens of thousands of pounds in private treatment. See the British Burn Association for authority.
Psychological overlay - what drives the JCG uplift
The reason facial scarring attracts such high JCG figures in young claimants is not the cosmetic disfigurement alone - it's the psychological sequelae. Depression, social anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, PTSD from the original traumatic event, avoidance behaviour. Consultant psychiatrist evidence quantifies the psychological injury and the impact on work, relationships, and future quality of life. JCG expressly directs tribunals to consider the psychological reaction alongside the cosmetic outcome. See psychological injury.
Common routes to a scarring claim
- RTA - motorcyclist / cyclist road-rash, windscreen / airbag facial laceration, glass injury. See motorcycle accident claims and cycle accident claims.
Special damages in scarring claims
- Plastic / reconstructive surgery - scar revision, Z-plasty, W-plasty, dermabrasion, tissue expanders.