Am I entitled to compensation for a facial scar in a workers comp case?

The answer is that you *might* be entitled to benefits, based on a permanent impairment rating assigned by your doctor. (S)he will have to determine such things as whether you have nerve damage or other functional limitations along with the cosmetic damage and whether you will need any future treatment for the scarring. Most plastic surgeons don't deal with workers' comp very often and don't know how to rate the impairment properly, so don't let your doctor give you a 0% rating if you have visible scarring or any residual problems related to the injuries.

It's not automatic, but you may be entitled to compensation for a facial and neck scar, depending on the severity and type of scarring that you have. Talk to a work injury attorney about the steps you need to take. It shouldn't cost you anything for an initial consultation, and most workers' compensation attorneys only charge a fee if they are able to get compensation for you at the end. I'm licensed in Illinois, but I can recommend a colleague in your area. Let me know if you'd like a referral. Good luck. Mike Helfand 800-807-9530

Not really. Scars just don't get anything except the carrier is responsible for any plastic surgery you may need or want to revise (improve) the scars. To get money, you have to have a permanent impairment and many plastic surgeons will say that the scars don't cause any "functional" loss or even an "anatomical" loss. They will say it is purely aestthetic thus, unless you depend on your face for your career (model, actor, etc) there is no loss. You don't mention and any lawyer would ask whether you have any other problem such as neck pain or discomfort, headaches, hearing problems, or even emotional problems related to the accident or scars. Of course, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the saw or whoever maintains the equipment, assuming it is a different company than your employer. This is known as a products liability action. Definitely talk to a WC lawyer to see whetther you have a case againstt another company in which you can recover for scars.