Every year, over 100,000 people are injured in traffic accidents in Turkey. One of the most traumatic and lasting consequences of these accidents is the development of permanent facial scars. If you’re a foreigner living in or visiting Turkey, and have suffered facial injuries in a traffic accident, understanding your compensation rights is critical to protect your future.

Here’s a detailed overview of how facial scar compensation lawsuits work in Turkey, including key legal steps and important deadlines.

1. Can You Claim Compensation for a Permanent Facial Scar in Turkey?

Yes — under Turkish law, victims of traffic accidents with visible facial injuries are entitled to both material and moral compensation, especially if the scar is considered permanent.

• Material Compensation: If the scar negatively impacts your career, future income, or social integration, you can seek financial damages under Article 57 of the Turkish Code of Obligations.

• Moral Compensation: Psychological distress, social anxiety, and damage to appearance due to facial disfigurement are grounds for moral compensation.

• Insurance Claims: Victims may apply directly to the insurance provider of the responsible party under compulsory traffic insurance.

2. Disability Rate and Compensation Amount for Facial Scars

The disability percentage plays a major role in the compensation amount and is determined by medical professionals.

• Factors such as depth of the scar, tissue damage, and visibility affect the classification.

• If the scar impacts professional or social life, the moral compensation amount increases.

• In some cases, facial scars may lead to income loss, especially in professions involving public interaction or appearance-based roles.

3. Deadlines and Legal Channels for Filing a Claim

Victims of traffic accidents in Turkey must act within certain timeframes:

• 2 years is the general time limit to file a civil claim.

• If the incident is part of a criminal investigation, the limit may extend up to 8 years.

• Applying to the Insurance Arbitration Commission can help you resolve the claim faster without going through a full court trial.

4. Lawsuits Against Insurance Companies for Facial Injuries

Victims can sue the insurance company directly, as permitted by Article 97 of the Turkish Highway Traffic Law. If the responsible vehicle is uninsured, claims may be directed to the Security Account (Güvence Hesabı).

Example Case: Supreme Court 17th Civil Chamber – Ruling 2017/4410

In this case, a young female student sued for material compensation due to a permanent facial scar. The lower court awarded partial compensation, but the Supreme Court found the assessment inadequate and emphasized the need for expert evaluation of career damage. The decision highlights how facial scars can significantly affect future opportunities, especially in public-facing careers.

Conclusion: Protect Your Right to Compensation in Turkey

Facial scars can have long-lasting economic and psychological effects. If you are a foreigner injured in a traffic accident in Turkey, it’s important to act promptly, understand your disability rating, and explore all legal options, including insurance claims and lawsuits.

Getting legal assistance ensures that you don’t miss deadlines and that your compensation accurately reflects the severity of your injury.