Colorado Springs Scarring and Disfigurement Lawyer
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
- If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
- Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
How is a scar or disfigurement claim valued?
By what it is, where it is, and who is carrying it — not by the length of the wound.
A visible facial scar is valued differently from an identical scar on a shoulder, and a scar on a child differently again, because the consequence lasts a lifetime and shapes how other people respond. Revision surgery, laser treatment and cosmetic work are economic. The permanent change in appearance is disfigurement, and C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(5) says the cap does not limit damages for physical impairment or disfigurement; pain and emotional distress fall under the $1,500,000 noneconomic cap for claims accruing on or after 1 January 2025 (C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(3)(a)(II)).
When should a scarring claim be settled?
Not until the scar has matured — generally a year or more after the wound closes.
Colour, raised texture and contracture all change over that period, and whether revision surgery will help is often not known until it stabilises. Photograph it at regular intervals from the beginning: a documented progression is far more persuasive than a single photograph taken on the day someone asks for one.
Representation After an Injury Resulting in Scars or Disfigurements in Colorado Springs
The consequences of being inflicted with a physical scar after an accident should never be understated. Long after victims have healed from injuries, completed physical therapy, and gone back to work or school, they may still have to deal with a physical reminder of their trauma. Self-esteem issues and body dysmorphia may be the result of facial disfigurements, burns, and amputations, and victims should not have to suffer for these scars alone if someone else caused their accidents.
If you or someone you love suffered a disfiguring injury in Colorado Springs as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve full compensation for your medical bills, recovery, and emotional trauma. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we work closely with clients to understand how their injuries have affected them following an accident. We always advocate for the maximum value of a case and plainly explain your options. When you are ready, call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., at (719) 475-2555 to get a free case evaluation.
The Harsh Reality of Permanent Scars and Disfigurements
There is always the risk of developing a scar or a disfigurement, if you were in an accident that involved a high-speed vehicle, fire, or hazardous chemicals. While advancements in medicine have allowed doctors to treat injuries with minimal scarring, such as with skin grafts, these treatments come at a high price. Very few people can afford these costs out of pocket, and insurance companies often dismiss them as cosmetic, making it more difficult for victims to recover compensation.
But we know it is not just about treating the physical trauma of a catastrophic injury. Facial disfigurements, amputations, burn marks, and raised scars can leave a lasting impact on a victim’s confidence, especially if he or she is young. Children with scars and disfigurements may develop self-esteem issues that make it difficult for them to make friends, develop social skills, and advocate for themselves. Therapy can play a major role in helping children deal with their scars, but, alongside reconstructive treatment, this comes with a hefty price.
If you suffered serious trauma due to someone else’s actions, then they should be responsible for paying for your medical care, including reconstructive surgery, therapy, and all related costs. No matter the type of accident you were in, if someone else caused you to suffer a scarring or disfiguring injury, then you deserve full compensation.
- Burns caused in fire-related accidents, including apartment fires, tanker-truck explosions, and chemical exposure
- Motorcycle accidents that result in road rash, deglovings, and crush injuries
- Traumatic amputations in auto accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Dog attacks
- Catastrophic fractures that break the skin, such as facial fractures
What Damages Are Available for Scars and Disfigurements?
If you developed a scar due to a facial facture or burn, then your personal injury claim should ask for compensation for the original injury, as well as reconstructive treatment. In addition, any therapy bills should be included in your medical expenses. In general, anything related to your recovery and medical treatment will fall under economic damages, which do not have a cap in Colorado.
When it comes to noneconomic damages, you can ask for compensation for: pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional stress, and impairment of the quality of life. This can become a point of contention when you deal with an insurance company, as insurers often try to dismiss noneconomic damages as frivolous, but we can include them in your claim, especially if they have affected your personal life.
Colorado does have a cap on noneconomic damages, which change every two years starting 2020. There is a standard cap that can be increased by the court upon clear and convincing evidence to a maximum of $1,227,530, according to Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-102.5(3)(a) and a subsequent Secretary of State Certificate. If your case included a physical impairment (disability) or disfigurement, then there is no cap under state law, as stated under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-102.5(3)(c).
Dealing With a Dismissive Insurance Company
After a traumatic accident, dealing with a dismissive insurance company is difficult. While you may be fully covered under the at-fault party’s liability policy, chances are that when you bring your claim to the insurance adjuster, they will try to dismiss or devalue your injuries. They may offer a small settlement that partially covers your emergency room bills, but they rarely offer compensation for reconstructive surgery, therapy, or pain and suffering damages. To get the money you need to heal and move on, you will need a knowledgeable Colorado Springs disfigurement attorney.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we believe that you deserve fair compensation after an injury. We often meet with clients who have already tried talking to the insurance company on their own and felt the pain of having their injuries devalued or dismissed. Based on our years of experience and knowledge of Colorado’s personal injury laws, we can provide the strong legal guidance you need.
Our team is made up of experienced Colorado trial attorneys who understand how insurance companies operate. We know firsthand the tactics insurance companies use to dismiss claims and how to fight back. Founding attorney Timothy Bussey made his mark representing clients in tough negotiations and the courtroom. Together, our team can advocate for the full costs of your injuries and fight to get you compensation.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a disfiguring injury due to someone else’s negligence, do not despair. Our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., have fought for numerous clients over the years who have suffered traumatic scars and disfigurements. We can dig into the details of your case, calculate the full costs of your injuries, and build a strong case for compensation. We offer every potential client a free consultation, so there is no cost to calling us at (719) 475-2555.
Does Colorado's cap on noneconomic damages limit compensation for a scar or disfigurement?
Not the part of the award that compensates the disfigurement itself. Colorado caps noneconomic damages, but the same statute says nothing in it limits compensatory damages for physical impairment or disfigurement (C.R.S. 13-21-102.5(5)).
That distinction matters most in the cases this page describes: burns, road rash, facial fractures and amputations from car accidents, motorcycle crashes and fires. Pain, emotional stress and loss of quality of life are noneconomic and capped; the permanent change in appearance is a separate element the cap section does not reach. Revision surgery and therapy are economic losses, which the section does not cap either. For how these elements come together in larger claims, see our catastrophic injury lawyer page.
| Element of the claim | Colorado rule | C.R.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation for the disfigurement or physical impairment | Not limited by the noneconomic damages cap section | 13-21-102.5(5) |
| Pain and suffering, emotional stress, impairment of the quality of life | Noneconomic; capped at $1,500,000 for actions filed in 2025 or claims accruing on or after January 1, 2025 | 13-21-102.5(2)(b), (3)(a)(II) |
| Harm to a family member (derivative noneconomic loss) | Only if the court finds justification by clear and convincing evidence | 13-21-102.5(3)(b) |
| Claim against a health-care professional or institution | Governed by a different statute | 13-21-102.5(3)(a)(III) |
When does the deadline start for a scar that worsens or is diagnosed later?
Colorado starts the clock when both the injury and its cause are known or should have been known with reasonable diligence (C.R.S. 13-80-108(1)). From then, most injury claims have two years and claims arising from a motor vehicle have three.
A scar that keeps changing does not usually stop the clock: once you know you were injured and what caused it, the period runs even if the final appearance is not yet known. That is why the firm's advice to wait for a scar to mature before settling is paired with filing on time. If a city, county or other public entity caused the injury, written notice is due far sooner. If you were partly at fault, Colorado's comparative-fault rule reduces the award; our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer page explains it.
| Situation | Deadline | C.R.S. |
|---|---|---|
| When the clock starts | When the injury and its cause are known or should have been known | 13-80-108(1) |
| Scar from a fall, dog bite, fire or other non-vehicle negligence | Two years | 13-80-102(1)(a) |
| Scar from a crash involving a motor vehicle | Three years | 13-80-101(1)(n) |
| Injury caused by a public entity or its employee | Written notice within 182 days of discovering the injury | 24-10-109(1) |
Is a disfiguring dog bite treated differently under Colorado law?
Yes. If a dog bite causes serious bodily injury while you are lawfully on the property, the owner is liable for economic damages whether or not the dog had shown viciousness before, and serious bodily injury includes a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement.
The statute covers economic damages, such as medical care and revision surgery, without proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous; other damages depend on ordinary negligence rules. Our Colorado Springs dog bite lawyer page covers what to do after a bite, and the firm's case results show outcomes in past injury claims.
| Injury from the bite | Counts as serious bodily injury? |
|---|---|
| A substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement | Yes |
| Burns of the second or third degree | Yes |
| Breaks or fractures | Yes |
| A substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part | Yes |
| Skin lacerations requiring professional medical treatment, or injury requiring corrective or cosmetic surgery | Bodily injury; serious only if it also meets the definition above |
Sources
- C.R.S. 13-21-102.5, 13-21-124, 13-80-101, 13-80-102 and 13-80-108 — Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 13 (official publication)
- C.R.S. 18-1-901(3)(p) — Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 18 (official publication)
- C.R.S. 24-10-109 — Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 24 (official publication)
Injury claim videos from The Bussey Law Firm
Determining the value of a personal injury claim?
Ever wondered how to determine the value of a claim? It's not as simple as plugging numbers into a computer program. Experience is key. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our seasoned attorneys assess liability, injury severity, and damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Don't leave it to chance – trust our expertise to fight for your rights.
· 0:29 · Watch on YouTube
What is the process of a personal injury claim?
Understanding the personal injury claim process is crucial when seeking compensation for your injuries. In this video, we delve into the initial steps involved, emphasizing the importance of hiring an experienced law firm to represent you. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance adjusters, our goal is to maximize the value of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
· 0:49 · Watch on YouTube
What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?
Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.
| A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle | 3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n) |
|---|---|
| Most other personal injury claims | 2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102 |
| If you were partly at fault | Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111 |
| Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed | El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 |
Sources and References
- Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 13 (Colorado General Assembly)
- El Paso County Combined Courts — Colorado Judicial Branch
- The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. — Google Business Profile
Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.
Our Colorado Springs Office
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
12 E. Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 475-2555
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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