Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit

Jul 12, 2024 | Benefits

Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit – The disfigurement benefit can cover a handful of different categories. It can be from scarring as a result of having surgery, a limp from having had an injury, swelling from one part of your body compared to the opposite uninjured part, difference in size, braces, hearing aids, glasses, and the list continues.

When is an injury considered a disfigurement?

The rule for an injury to be categorized as a disfigurement is that it has to be in a part of the body that’s normally exposed to the public. You might think the hands or the arms are the exposed body parts, but actually, the unspoken rule is the swimsuit rule. This swimsuit rule means if you are wearing a speedo and the injury aftermath can be seen, then it will likely be considered disfigurement.

How much can I get for a disfigurement benefit?

This benefit can be up to $5,000, but there’s a higher level of around $10,000 when the disfigurement is in your face or if you have extensive scarring, meaning it is all over your body.

Very few insurance companies will voluntarily admit to disfigurement. Even though they know you had surgery they don’t admit to it, it’s very rare, and even if they admit to it, it might not be enough.

If you’re an injured worker and you have some visible manifestation, even if it’s light, even if it’s temporary, from your injury then you are entitled to a disfigurement benefit.