How Much Can You Be Compensated for a Work-Related Head & Face Injury?

When people think of workers’ compensation injuries, they tend to think of workers injuring their back because of heaving lifting or breaking a bone because of a fall or other form of trauma. However, workers also sustain a variety of injuries to their heads and faces. 

In Arizona, workers who injure their head, face and mouth are entitled to medical treatment for those injuries. Workers may also be entitled to a scheduled impairment award as a result of the injury. 

Arizona Revised Statutes (Section 23-1044(B)) lists specific body parts that are entitled to receive a scheduled impairment award. If one of those listed body parts sustains a ratable impairment, then the specified body part is presumed to affect the worker’s earning capacity. However, the benefits are limited by the statute.

Section 23-1044(B) states:

For permanent disfigurement about the head or face, which shall include injury to or loss of teeth, the commission may, in accordance with the provisions of section 23-1047, allow such sum for compensation thereof as it deems just, in accordance with the proof submitted, for a period of not to exceed eighteen months.

Facial and head disfigurement

A worker who sustains an injury to the face or head that results in disfigurement may be entitled to a permanent award. Only scars that are visible about the head or face that are observable are compensated by Arizona Law. 

The Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) has a facial chart that allows them to determine the rating of a scar. The ICA takes various factors into its determination of the rating.

For example, the ICA will consider the color and size of the scar. The visibility of a scar will also be noted at different distances. Based upon these factors, a rating will be issued.

Loss of teeth

A worker who loses a tooth as a result of an industrial injury is entitled to a scheduled impairment award. An injured worker who loses a tooth that is then replaced is still entitled to compensation. The amount of the scheduled award is dictated by the schedule adopted by the ICA.

The certified workers’ compensation specialists at the Law Offices of Robert Wisniewski can assist you with facial and head disfigurement claims, as well as if you’ve suffered an injury that resulted in loss of teeth.

Contact us today for your free initial consultation.