Taking Photographs of Your Scarring – A Guide

To accurately assess the scarring left behind by an injury, it is important that the photographs taken by a Claimant are of a good quality.

If a degree of care and consideration is not used when photographs are taken, the value of a potential claim can be significantly affected.

Advanced Warning: example photos contain digital examples of wounds, blood and scarring. These images are edited and are not genuine; no harm befell our volunteer. To see the example photos, click here.

What are the typical types of scarring injuries?

In most cases, scarring is a secondary injury, sustained as a result of the healing process of an initial primary injury. While most would assume that scarring only arises from lacerations, caused by an assault with a sharp object or during a road traffic accident, for example, it is important to note that scarring can also occur through other injuries, such as a burn or acid attack.

Why do you need to ensure that scarring photographs are of a good quality?

Photographs are used to assess the value of the claim for scarring. If the photographs are not of a good quality, then an incorrect valuation of the injuries may be determined.

Whilst scarring can occur following any type of incident that results in injuries, a good example of this is a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim. When the CICA assesses the scarring left by a crime of violence, it will always, without fail, ask for photographs of the scarring.

When taking these photographs, there is some confusion about what the CICA requires.

The level of scarring a victim has sustained could have a dramatic effect on the level of compensation that is awarded. Depending on severity and location, the CICA may choose to award from £1,000 to £11,000 (for scars caused by burns this can rise to £27,000) – a significant increase in value.

The quality of the photographs sent to the CICA will assist with placing a valuation on a claim. It is therefore important that these photographs are taken with specific things in mind.

How do I take good photographs of my scarring?

Distance – Take a selection of photographs from different distances.

• The CICA makes its assessments based on the size of the scarring relative to the area of the body in question. Different differences will demonstrate this to the CICA. It is important to note that there should be a limit on distance, a range of photographs taken from between 30-40cm away from an applicant is ideal.

Environment – Photographs of the scarring should ideally be taken against a plain white background.

• This is to prevent them from seeming cluttered and drawing attention away from the scarring.

Tidy – Try to take a photo of the wound when it is as clean as possible.

• Remember that the CICA is compensating for the scarring left as a result of the injury, rather than the wound itself.

Assistance – If possible, ask someone to take the photographs on your behalf so that a suitable angle can be obtained.

• This especially applies to scarring in the harder to reach places. Attempting to take a photograph of scars on your back by yourself will create a number of issues. If the scarring is facial, even ‘selfies’ are likely to be less detailed than asking a family member or friend to take photographs of the scarring.

In Focus – Try and use a camera with a high resolution so that the photographs come out detailed.

• A blurry image will remove the CICA’s ability to accurately evaluate the size of the scarring.

Lighting – Photographs are clearer when taken in good, natural lighting.

• If the photographs are too dark, it will be harder for the CICA to assess the severity.

While the additional information in each of the above points concerns the CICA, the guidance remains the same when taking photographs of the scarring regardless of the type of claim that an applicant is undergoing – Always remember your DETAIL.

What should my photographs look like?

To highlight exactly what is required from an applicant when it comes to photographs of scarring, we have compiled a collection of examples of common errors and an ideal scarring photograph that an applicant should aim to replicate.

Advanced Warning: example photos contain digital examples of wounds, blood and scarring. These images are edited and are not genuine; no harm befell our volunteer. To see the example photos, click here.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you need further assistance regarding your claim, get in touch with our team today for a free initial consultation in complete confidence. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.