When we think of road traffic accident claims, car crashes or accidents at work, we often imagine fractures, whiplash, or head injuries. However, Lacey Solicitors are seeing an increase in claims for dermatology-related injuries—those affecting the skin. These types of claims are becoming more common and can cause serious long-term effects.
From burns and scarring to psoriasis flare-ups triggered by trauma or stress, skin conditions following a car accident can lead to significant pain, disfigurement, and psychological suffering. Understanding how these conditions are treated within the legal process is key to ensuring fair compensation.
Can You Claim for Skin Injuries After a Car Accident?
The skin can be damaged in many ways during a collision. Common dermatological issues in road traffic accident personal injury claims include:
- Lacerations and abrasions – from broken glass, airbags, or seatbelts, often leading to permanent scarring.
- Burns – caused by vehicle fires, airbag deployment, friction from seatbelts, or contact with hot metal and chemicals.
- Bruising and tissue damage – which can result in long-term skin discolouration or sensitivity.
- Scarring and disfigurement – particularly visible injuries that may impact confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life.
Even relatively minor-looking skin injuries can have lasting physical and emotional consequences.
Psoriasis and Skin Conditions Triggered by Car Accidents
A lesser-known but increasingly recognised issue in road traffic accident claims is the exacerbation or triggering of psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions.
Can a car accident cause psoriasis to flare up?
Yes. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can be triggered or worsened by physical trauma or emotional stress – both common after a car accident. This phenomenon is known as the Koebner response, where new psoriasis lesions develop on previously unaffected skin following an injury or stressor.
In personal injury cases, psoriasis can appear or worsen due to:
- Physical trauma to the skin (cuts, friction burns, or surgery).
- Psychological stress or anxiety after the accident.
- Medication side effects used to treat other injuries.
This can leave victims struggling with chronic pain, itching, and embarrassment, often requiring ongoing dermatological treatment.
Medical Evidence in Dermatology and Psoriasis Claims
To support a claim involving dermatological injuries or psoriasis, expert medical evidence is essential. A consultant dermatologist will typically:
- Assess the extent and visibility of any scarring, lesions, or flare-ups.
- Provide an opinion on causation—whether the condition was caused or exacerbated by the accident.
- Evaluate treatment options and the likelihood of future improvement or recurrence.
- Comment on psychological impact, as visible skin conditions often affect self-esteem and mental health.
This evidence forms a key part of calculating pain, suffering, and loss of amenity within a compensation claim.
Valuing Dermatology and Psoriasis-Related Compensation
Compensation in road traffic accident claims for dermatology issues depends on several factors:
- Severity and visibility of scarring or skin lesions.
- Impact on daily life, work, and mental wellbeing.
- Permanency or likelihood of recurrence (particularly with psoriasis).
- Treatment requirements, including creams, UV therapy, counselling, or cosmetic surgery.
Case Study: Lacey Solicitors Secure £23,000 for Taxi Driver with Psoriasis Flare-Up
A recent case handled by Lacey Solicitors that settled in 2025, highlights the importance of experienced lawyers recognising dermatological issues in personal injury claims.
Our client, a taxi driver, was involved in a low-speed road traffic collision with a bus. Thankfully, no one suffered major physical injuries. Our client suffered minor whiplash injuries that settled quickly but mentioned to our office that he had a pre-existing history of psoriasis, which flared up significantly in the weeks following the accident.
For around two to three weeks post-accident, he suffered itchy, inflamed patches on his scalp and hips, leading to disturbed sleep and emotional strain. The stress of the ongoing claim also contributed to the psoriasis being slow to settle.
All the passengers in the vehicle were represented by another firm and settled their cases for £2,000 each. When Lacey Solicitors were appointed to represent the taxi driver, we were initially offered the same sum of £2,000.
However, our team rejected that offer immediately and instructed a consultant dermatologist to provide an expert medical opinion. The dermatologist confirmed that the accident and subsequent stress had caused a significant psoriasis flare-up and that the condition was slow to resolve due to the ongoing psychological impact.
Following intense negotiations, Lacey Solicitors settled the case for £23,000 – a result £21,000 higher than any other passenger in the vehicle.
This case demonstrates the value of specialist legal and medical input in identifying and evidencing the true impact of dermatological and stress-related injuries.
The Psychological Impact of Dermatology Injuries
Visible skin injuries often cause more than physical pain – they can also lead to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. This is particularly true for individuals who develop psoriasis after an accident, as the condition is often unpredictable and difficult to manage.
In these situations, it is important that solicitors seek both dermatological and psychological reports to ensure the full extent of the injury is recognised and compensated.
How Lacey Solicitors Can Help
At Lacey Solicitors, we understand how distressing it can be to live with scarring, burns, or a long-term skin condition such as psoriasis after a road traffic accident.
Our specialist personal injury solicitors in Northern Ireland will:
- Obtain expert dermatology and psychological reports.
- Gather photographic and witness evidence.
- Calculate your full financial and emotional losses.
- Negotiate with insurers to secure the maximum compensation available.
We act for clients across Belfast, Dublin, Derry, Newry, and throughout Northern Ireland.
Contact Lacey Solicitors Today
If you’ve suffered skin injuries, scarring, burns, or a psoriasis flare-up following a road traffic accident, contact Lacey Solicitors for expert legal advice. We’ll help you obtain the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
