Find a scar and disfigurement lawyer in Austin: timing, proof and deadlines

A scar takes about 12 to 18 months to mature, so its full effect may not be clear for over a year. In Texas, disfigurement is a separate category of damages. You generally have 2 years to sue, but a claim against the City of Austin needs a letter in 45 days.

Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (31)

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Road map of Austin showing Interstate 35, US 183 and Ben White Boulevard, roads Austin Police names for serious crashes that can leave scars
Scars take 12 to 18 months to mature, so full proof takes time. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

When can you tell how bad a scar will be?

Not right away. A new scar needs around 12 to 18 months to mature. Fresh scars often look thicker, pinker, redder or shinier than the skin around them, and they fade over time but never go away completely.

That is a reason to document early and judge late. Take dated photos in good light every few weeks. Do not rush into a settlement while the scar is still changing. Revision on an immature scar tends to give poor results.

What treatments exist for a scar, and what will they not do?

OptionWhat to know
Scar revision surgeryImproves a scar but does not erase it
Laser, dermabrasion, injections, peels and creamsListed treatment choices; results vary
KeloidsMore common under 30 and in some groups; treatment can sometimes make them larger

A scar is skin that has healed into a permanent patch. Ask the specialist to put in writing what treatment is recommended, what it may cost and what the scar will probably still look like afterward.

What if a dog bite in Austin left the scar?

Report it. In Austin, a bite from any animal gets reported to Animal Protection. After medical care, Austin asks you to complete an Animal Bite Report. A dog reported for biting a person must be observed for 10 full days, whatever its rabies vaccine status.

Animal Protection also handles dangerous dog cases in the city and in unincorporated Travis County. A dangerous dog designation needs a signed bite affidavit, and owners of registered dangerous dogs must carry $100,000 of liability insurance among the court orders the city lists. That is a source of payment, not a promise of one.

What if a child has a scar from an injury in Austin?

Dell Children's is the only children's hospital in Central Texas with a Level I trauma designation, and it runs a rehab program for serious injuries. Time as a minor does not count against the Texas deadline. A claim against the city still needs its 45-day letter.

How does Texas count a scar in an injury claim?

As disfigurement, one of the listed types of noneconomic damages, next to physical pain, mental anguish and physical impairment. Physical impairment must be substantial and extend beyond pain, suffering, mental anguish and lost earnings.

  • Medical recovery is limited to amounts paid or owed, so surgery bills count at what was paid.
  • A sworn billing statement can prove bills were reasonable, but it does not prove cause.
  • Lost pay must be shown after income tax.
  • More than 50 percent of the blame on you means no recovery in Texas.

What if the scar came from a medical mistake in Austin?

Rules get stricter. Texas limits noneconomic damages against physicians to $250,000 per claimant. You must give written notice at least 60 days before suing, and file an expert report within 120 days after each defendant answers. Complaints about doctors go to the Texas Medical Board at 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 9.200, Austin, phone 1-800-201-9353.

Questions

How long do I have to sue over a scar in Austin?

Generally 2 years in Texas. A claim against the City of Austin needs a letter in 45 days.

Can a scar be removed?

Revision can make a scar better, but it cannot erase it.

What should I save?

Photos over time, medical notes, treatment estimates and bite reports. Keep the Animal Bite Report if a dog caused it.

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Sources (31)

  1. PubMed Central (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “it takes around 12-18 months for the scar to mature”
  2. Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.001(12), checked 2026-11-09. “physical pain and suffering, mental or emotional pain or anguish, loss of consortium, disfigurement, physical impairment”
  3. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, checked 2026-11-08. “not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues”
  4. City of Austin, File a Claim, checked 2026-11-08. “You must send this letter within 45 days of the incident.”
  5. PubMed Central (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “scar revision will improve and not erase the scar”
  6. Austin Animal Services, Animal Bites, checked 2026-11-08. “If medical attention has been received after a bite, complete an Animal Bite Report.”
  7. Austin Animal Services, Animal Bites, checked 2026-11-08. “must be observed for 10 full days from the date of the bite, regardless of rabies vaccination status”
  8. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “Scars are often thicker, as well as pinker, redder, or shinier, than the rest of your skin.”
  9. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “Scars usually fade over time but never go away completely.”
  10. PubMed Central (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “Immature scars are prone to hypertrophy and give poor results after scar revision.”
  11. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “These include surgical revision, dermabrasion, laser treatments, injections, chemical peels, and creams.”
  12. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “Black people, Asians, and Hispanics are more prone to developing keloids.”
  13. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “These treatments, especially surgery, sometimes cause the keloid scar to become larger.”
  14. MedlinePlus (NIH), checked 2026-11-09. “A scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound”
  15. Austin Animal Services, Animal Bites, checked 2026-11-08. “All animal bites must be reported to Animal Protection.”
  16. Austin Animal Services, Dangerous and Vicious Dogs, checked 2026-11-08. “Animal Protection handles dangerous dogs in the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County”
  17. Austin Animal Services, Dangerous and Vicious Dogs, checked 2026-11-08. “You must submit a signed bite affidavit to Animal Protection.”
  18. Austin Animal Services, Dangerous and Vicious Dogs, checked 2026-11-08. “Purchase $100,000 of liability insurance.”
  19. Dell Children's Medical Center, Pediatric trauma care, checked 2026-11-09. “is the only children’s hospital in Central Texas with a Level I Trauma Center designation by the American College of Surgeons.”
  20. Dell Children's Medical Center, Rehabilitation, checked 2026-11-09. “provides intensive therapy for children with serious injuries.”
  21. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 16.001, checked 2026-11-09. “the time of the disability is not included in a limitations period”
  22. Golden Eagle Archery, Inc. v. Jackson, 116 S.W.3d 757 (Tex. 2003), checked 2026-11-09. “the effect of any physical impairment must be substantial and extend beyond any pain, suffering, mental anguish, lost wages or diminished earning capacity”
  23. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.0105, checked 2026-11-09. “recovery of medical or health care expenses incurred is limited to the amount actually paid or incurred by or on behalf of the claimant”
  24. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 18.001, checked 2026-11-09. “is sufficient evidence to support a finding of fact by judge or jury that the amount charged was reasonable or that the service was necessary”
  25. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 18.001, checked 2026-11-09. “The affidavit is not evidence of and does not support a finding of the causation element”
  26. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 18.091, checked 2026-11-09. “must be presented in the form of a net loss after reduction for income tax payments or unpaid tax liability”
  27. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 33.001, checked 2026-11-09. “a claimant may not recover damages if his percentage of responsibility is greater than 50 percent”
  28. Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.301, checked 2026-11-09. “shall be limited to an amount not to exceed $250,000 for each claimant”
  29. Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 74.051, checked 2026-11-09. “at least 60 days before the filing of a suit”
  30. Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code 74.351, checked 2026-11-09. “not later than the 120th day after the date each defendant's original answer is filed”
  31. Texas Medical Board, Notice Concerning Complaints, checked 2026-11-09. “1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 9.200 P.O. Box 2018 Austin, Texas 78768-2018 Assistance in filing a complaint is available by calling the following telephone number: 1-800-201-9353”

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