Hair and Scalp Injuries in Personal Injury Claims: The Role of a Trichologist

Hair and Scalp Injuries in Personal Injury Claims: The Role of a Trichologist

What is a trichologist?

A trichologist is someone who diagnoses and treats hair and scalp conditions. A trichologist may deal with hair loss, shredding, discoloration of hair, defects in the hair shafts that break or infections of the skin or hair. They focus solely on hair and scalp conditions.

Medical evidence in a personal injury claim

In a personal injury claim, medical evidence is obtained to support a claim. A medical expert is instructed and an appointment is arranged for the client. Following the appointment, the expert will prepare a report which will assist in establishing causation (that is the link between the injuries and the accident) and the report will be used to value a case. Any treatment recommendations will also be detailed in the report.

In a personal injury claim, the most appropriate medical expert needs to be instructed depending on the type of injuries sustained. For example, if a Claimant has sustained a shoulder injury, an orthopaedic expert specialising in upper limb injuries will be instructed. If a Claimant has sustained an injury to their hair or scalp, a trichologist will be instructed to examine the client and prepare a report.

A case study

I recently represented an individual who worked in a care home and was assaulted by a resident. They sustained a number of serious injuries. As well as back and psychiatric injuries, their hair was also pulled out. They suffered significant hair loss as well as damage to their scalp.

Liability was accepted by the defendant. A number of medical reports were obtained including from an orthopaedic expert, a psychiatric expert and a report from a trichologist. In a personal injury claim, it is important that reports are obtained from all relevant medical experts so all injuries can be addressed. If not, there is a risk that the claimant won’t be fully compensated.

Trichologist’s report

The trichologist examined my Client and confirmed what injuries were sustained in the assault. Close to 2 years after the incident, my Client’s scalp was still sensitive which made washing and brushing the hair very uncomfortable and difficult. In addition the new hair growth was very thin and the expert was able to confirm that this was as a result of the incident. The trichologist explained that the severe pulling of the hair during the incident caused my Client’s scalp to go into shock causing shredding and the continued sensitivity, even almost 2 years after the incident.

Outcome

A treatment plan was prepared to help with the hair loss, hair thinning and soreness of the scalp. The treatment took place over approximately 9 months at a cost of almost £3,000 and was very successful.

Total damages were £36,000 with approximately £15,000 in respect of the hair and scalp injury.

If you have suffered a personal injury, our team of personal injury solicitors can help. Our experienced team are based in London and have a nationwide reach. Call us today on 0330 818 7719 or request a call back.