Facial injury claims arise when a person suffers an injury to the face because of another party’s negligence.
These injuries may result from road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, slips and falls, assaults, medical negligence, or sporting accidents.
Facial injuries can range from cuts and bruising to fractures, burns, nerve damage, dental injuries, and permanent scarring.
If you have suffered a facial injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim.
Common causes of facial injuries
Facial injury claims commonly arise from:
- Road traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Slips, trips and falls
- Assaults
- Sporting accidents
- Medical negligence
Types of facial injuries
Common facial injuries include:
- Facial fractures, including the nose, cheekbones, jaw and eye socket
- Cuts, lacerations and soft tissue injuries
- Dental injuries
- Eye injuries
- Burns
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring and facial disfigurement
The severity of the injury and its long-term impact will influence the level of compensation that may be awarded.
Compensation amount
Ref: Personal Injuries Guidelines
Facial disfigurement
Compensation for facial disfigurement depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of any permanent scarring, and its physical and psychological impact.
When assessing compensation, the court may consider:
- Age
- Severity of the injury
- Treatment required
- Extent of scarring
- Psychological impact
- Effect on employment
- Impact on quality of life
- Effect on relationships and social activities
Compensation ranges
- Most severe scarring: €80,000 – €200,000. Severe facial disfigurement with significant psychological effects, particularly in younger claimants.
- Severe scarring: €60,000 – €80,000. Substantial permanent facial scarring with significant cosmetic and psychological consequences.
- Serious scarring: €30,000 – €60,000. Visible scarring, including cases improved through plastic surgery but with lasting cosmetic effects.
- Moderate scarring: €7,000 – €30,000. One noticeable scar or several smaller scars causing a moderate cosmetic impact.
Minor scarring
Minor facial scarring with limited long-term cosmetic or psychological effects.
Compensation depends on the individual circumstances of the case.
Claim process
1. Contact our facial injury claim solicitor
Our experienced solicitors will advise you on your legal rights and guide you through every stage of your facial injury claim.
2. Apply to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)
Most facial injury claims begin with an application to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB).
The IRB assesses claims arising from:
- Workplace accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents in public places
3. Submitting information and documents
Your solicitor will obtain the necessary medical records, expert reports, and other evidence before submitting your claim to the IRB.
4. Consent to assess the claim
The respondent has 90 days to decide whether to allow the IRB to assess the claim.
If consent is given, the IRB will assess the claim.
If consent is refused, the IRB will issue an Authorisation allowing court proceedings to begin.
5. Claim assessment
The IRB assessment process generally takes around nine months.
The assessment considers:
- General damages (pain and suffering)
- Special damages (financial losses)
If both parties accept the assessment, an Order to Pay will be issued.
If either party rejects the assessment, your solicitor can begin court proceedings.
Statute of limitations
In most cases, you have two years less one day from the date of the accident, or the date of knowledge, to bring a facial injury claim.
Different time limits apply for children and in certain exceptional circumstances.
Learn more about the Statute of Limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for the psychological impact of facial scarring or disfigurement?
Yes. A facial injury claim can include compensation for both the physical injury and any recognised psychological condition resulting from it, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or social anxiety.
The Personal Injuries Guidelines assess facial scarring by considering its permanence, visibility, and impact on daily life.
Medical evidence from a psychiatrist or psychologist may be required where significant psychological injury is claimed.
If my facial injury was caused by an assault, can I bring a civil claim?
Yes. A civil claim is separate from any criminal proceedings and may be brought whether or not the person responsible is prosecuted.
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may also be brought against a third party, such as an employer or occupier who failed to take reasonable steps to protect your safety.
Where appropriate, an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal may also be available.
How is a dental injury assessed as part of a facial injury claim?
Dental injuries may form part of a facial injury claim or be pursued as a separate claim where appropriate.
Compensation depends on the severity of the injury and any ongoing treatment required.
Future treatment costs, including implants, crowns, or other restorative work, may also be recoverable as special damages when supported by medical evidence.
