Disfigurement & Scarring Damages Calculator — Canada

Scarring is compensated as part of non-pecuniary general damages. Courts consider the scar's location and visibility, its permanence, the claimant's age and gender, the psychological impact, and whether it can be improved by surgery. Facial and highly visible scars attract substantially higher awards.

There is no fixed tariff - awards flow from comparable case law. Minor, faintly visible scars may attract modest general damages, while prominent, permanent facial disfigurement in a young claimant can reach well into six figures, always within the Supreme Court non-pecuniary cap of about $430,000.

Yes, in two ways. The cost of past and future reconstructive or revision surgery is recoverable as a pecuniary (future care) loss. Separately, if surgery can reduce the scar's visibility, the non-pecuniary award may be lower; if the scar is permanent despite surgery, the award is higher.

Strongly. A younger claimant lives with the disfigurement longer, increasing the award. Visibility matters - a facial or hand scar seen daily is valued far above a scar hidden by clothing. Courts also weigh the psychological and social impact on the individual.