How Much Is a Scar Worth Under Illinois Workers’ Comp?
What counts as permanent disfigurement—and how much is a scar worth?
One of the core purposes of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act is to compensate injured workers for the impact of work injuries. While many claims focus on lost wages or permanent work restrictions, Illinois law also recognizes the lasting impact of visible scars and disfigurement. If a work injury left you with a permanent scar or disfigurement, you may qualify for additional compensation—even if you returned to work.
McHargue & Jones has protected injured workers in Chicago and across Illinois for over 25 years. We help clients pursue permanent scar compensation and negotiate permanent disfigurement settlements to maximize what the law allows. For more information about workers’ compensation in Illinois, click here.
What qualifies as permanent disfigurement in Illinois?
Under Section 8(c) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, a worker can receive benefits for serious and permanent disfigurement to specific, visible body parts:
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Face, head, neck
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Arms and hands
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Legs (below the knee)
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Chest (above the axillary line)
Common causes include burns (electrical, chemical, or thermal), deep lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, and surgical scars related to your work injury. As a rule of thumb, disfigurement to areas not listed—such as the upper leg or the chest below the armpit line—generally isn’t compensable under the disfigurement section (though other benefits may still apply).
Illinois law requires waiting at least six months after the injury so the scar’s permanence and appearance can be evaluated.
When Disfigurement Overlaps With Loss of Function
In some of my cases, I’ve represented clients with severe burns, loss of skin (degloving injuries), and significant scar tissue that created contractures or tightness across joints and tendons. These conditions can go beyond cosmetic disfigurement—they can limit range of motion, cause chronic pain, and permanently restrict use of a body part.
When that happens, it becomes a critical question of how to classify the injury:
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Should it be evaluated as disfigurement, which compensates for appearance?
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Or as loss of use, which compensates for functional impairment?
Because this distinction can dramatically affect your compensation, it’s important to have a skilled, experienced workers’ compensation attorney evaluate the case. A lawyer can review medical records, assess function, and determine the best path for maximum recovery.
How much compensation for a permanent scar in Illinois workers’ comp?
Disfigurement benefits are a type of Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). The weekly benefit equals 60% of your average weekly wage (AWW) and can be awarded up to 162 weeks, depending on location, severity, and visibility.
Example: If your AWW is $1,000, your PPD rate is $600/week. A serious facial scar might justify a higher week award. At the statutory cap, $600 × 162 = $97,200 (illustrative only; your result depends on the facts).
When determining value, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission may review medical records, photos, and can schedule a “viewing”—an in-person look at the area—to help decide a fair number of weeks.
Factors that influence a permanent disfigurement settlement
Several factors affect the value of a disfigurement or scar claim:
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Body part & visibility: Scars on visible areas such as the face, hands, or neck generally lead to higher awards.
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Size, color, and prominence of the scar.
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Type of job or profession: If your role involves frequent public interaction—for example, as a server, salesperson, or customer-facing professional—the impact of a visible disfigurement can be significantly higher.
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Psychological and social impact: Illinois law recognizes the emotional toll disfigurement can cause.
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Other overlapping benefits: You cannot collect both loss-of-use and disfigurement for the same body part.
Common work injuries that cause scarring or disfigurement
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Chemical, electrical, or flame burns
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Cuts or lacerations from tools, glass, or machinery
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Crush injuries or amputations
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Vehicle or construction accidents
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Explosions or fires
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Surgical procedures related to treating your work injury
Do I have to do anything special to claim disfigurement?
Illinois procedure basics (not legal advice):
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Report the injury to your employer—within 45 days of the accident (sooner is better).
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Get medical care and follow provider instructions; keep records and photographs as the scar matures.
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File/continue your workers’ comp claim. Disfigurement is typically negotiated after six months, once permanence is clear.
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Negotiate or litigate with an experienced attorney who can present medical evidence, photos, and testimony to secure the highest award possible.
Chicago attorneys for permanent scar compensation
A visible scar can change far more than your appearance. It can affect your confidence, comfort, and even your career path. Our team builds strong disfigurement claims with clear photos, medical evidence, and proven negotiation strategy to obtain the maximum recovery available under Illinois law.
If you’re unsure whether your injury should be evaluated as disfigurement or functional loss, or if you’re simply not sure what your claim is worth, we can help.
Call (312) 739-0000 or request a free consultation online to speak directly with the work injury attorneys at McHargue and Jones about your potential permanent scar compensation claim.
FAQs: Illinois workers’ comp for scars & disfigurement
How much money do you get for a scar from workers’ compensation?
It depends on your average weekly wage and the number of weeks awarded (up to 162), which is influenced by severity, size, color, and location.
Is a scar from surgery covered?
Yes. If surgery for your compensable work injury caused a permanent, visible scar on a covered body part, it may qualify for disfigurement benefits.
Can I get both loss-of-use and disfigurement for the same body part?
Generally, no—you typically must elect one remedy for the same body part.
Do I have to wait six months?
Yes. Illinois law evaluates permanent scarring after at least six months to assess maturity, appearance, and permanence.
Does my type of job affect the value of my disfigurement?
Yes. If your position involves regular contact with the public, your appearance may be more central to your role. In those cases, visible scars often justify a higher award.
