Definition
Disfigurement is a permanent or long-lasting physical change to a person's appearance caused by injury, including scars, loss of tissue, nerve damage affecting facial expression, and missing body parts.
In California Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite disfigurement damages in California are significant non-economic damages that are not capped. Visible facial scarring, particularly in children who will carry the scar throughout their life, historically produces large jury awards. Life care planning expert testimony on future scar revision surgery costs is essential in any serious disfigurement case.
California Law Context
California dog bite law under Civil Code Section 3342 provides a strict liability framework distinct from general negligence. The role of Disfigurement in this framework — how it affects liability, damages, defenses, or procedure — is governed by the specific interaction between Section 3342's elements and the broader California personal injury law applicable to all civil claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disfigurement in California dog bite law?
Disfigurement is a permanent or long-lasting physical change to a person's appearance caused by injury, including scars, loss of tissue, nerve damage affecting facial expression, and missing body parts.
How does Disfigurement apply to California dog bite cases?
Dog bite disfigurement damages in California are significant non-economic damages that are not capped. Visible facial scarring, particularly in children who will carry the scar throughout their life, historically produces large jury awards. Life care planning expert testimony on future scar revision surgery costs is essential in any serious disfigurement case.
How does this term affect whether a dog bite victim can recover damages?
Disfigurement affects dog bite recovery in California because Civil Code Section 3342 creates a strict liability framework where most general negligence defenses are unavailable. The specific role of Disfigurement in this strict liability system — as opposed to a general negligence system — determines its practical significance to dog bite claimants and defendants in California.