Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How scarring is valued
Scarring is valued differently from most injuries because it is judged largely on appearance and its psychological effect rather than on physical function. In England and Wales it is assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines for facial and bodily scarring, which take into account how visible and permanent the scar is, the age and sex of the claimant, and the level of distress or self-consciousness it causes. Facial scarring is generally valued more highly than scarring elsewhere on the body.
Minor scarring
A single minor scar, or a small number of superficial scars that are not especially noticeable, sits at the lower end — indicatively £2,000–£9,300. The figure reflects how visible the scar is and the degree of any self-consciousness, with scars on the face attracting more than equivalent scars on covered parts of the body.
Moderate scarring
Where there is a more noticeable scar, several scars, or scarring that causes a continuing element of self-consciousness but is not grossly disfiguring, the award is typically £9,300–£30,000. The prominence of the scar, whether it can be improved by treatment, and the psychological impact drive the figure within this bracket.
Severe and disfiguring scarring
Significant facial scarring causing a substantial cosmetic effect and a serious psychological reaction falls in the higher bracket, from roughly £30,000 to £97,000, and the very worst disfigurement (particularly in younger claimants) can be valued higher still. Selecting "Severe" applies the upper figures. The psychological reaction to scarring is an important part of the assessment and may be valued alongside it.
What affects a scarring payout
- Visibility and location — facial scarring is valued more highly than scarring on covered areas.
- Permanence and prospects of improvement — whether the scar can be reduced by revision surgery or treatment.
- Psychological impact — self-consciousness, distress and any diagnosed psychological condition.
- Age and individual circumstances — younger claimants are often awarded more for equivalent scarring.
Special damages for scarring
You can recover financial losses such as the cost of scar-revision surgery, dermatological treatment, camouflage products, lost earnings during treatment and recovery, and — where scarring affects an appearance-dependent occupation — future losses. Enter these in the calculator and they are added to the injury figure.
Scarring claims in practice
Scarring claims usually rely on photographs and a medical report describing each scar's size, location, permanence and the scope for improvement, often with input from a plastic surgeon. They are frequently handled by a solicitor and may form part of a wider claim where the scar resulted from a larger injury such as a laceration or burn. This page is an estimate only and not legal advice.
Scarring compensation — frequently asked questions
How much compensation for scarring in the UK?
A single minor scar is valued at roughly £2,000–£9,300, moderate or more noticeable scarring at about £9,300–£30,000, and significant disfiguring facial scarring from around £30,000 to £97,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. The cost of any scar-revision treatment and lost earnings are added as special damages.
Why is facial scarring worth more than scarring elsewhere?
Because the face is constantly visible, facial scarring tends to cause greater self-consciousness and psychological impact than scarring on parts of the body that are usually covered. The Judicial College Guidelines reflect this, generally placing facial scarring in higher brackets than equivalent scars on, for example, the torso or legs.
How much is a scarring settlement in the US?
US scarring settlements range from about $8,000 for minor scars to $100,000 or more for prominent facial disfigurement. The figure depends on the visibility and permanence of the scarring, its psychological impact, the cost of any corrective treatment, your documented losses and the at-fault party's insurance limits.
Does the psychological effect of a scar increase compensation?
Yes. The distress and self-consciousness caused by scarring are central to how it is valued, and where the scarring leads to a diagnosed psychological condition that element may be compensated alongside the scarring itself. A medical report addressing the psychological impact can therefore significantly affect the award.
Is this scarring calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Scarring values are assessed on the visibility, permanence and psychological impact of each scar, plus liability and your proven losses. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.