Dermatology Personal Injury Services, On Lien

Skin injuries are often the most visible part of a personal injury case and the easiest for an adjuster to minimize. Dr. Raphael Darvish, a Los Angeles dermatologist in practice since 2005, provides injury attorneys and their clients with prompt evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and the kind of clear, well-photographed documentation that moves a case forward. We treat on lien, so your client gets care now and the practice is paid from the settlement or judgment.

Injuries we evaluate and treat

Bed bug bites and infestations

Bed bug cases are a particular focus of the practice. Dr. Darvish has evaluated and treated many bed bug victims from hotels, apartments, rentals and furnished housing, and has testified for plaintiffs in bed bug litigation many times. The evaluation documents the characteristic bite pattern and distribution, secondary infection, allergic reaction, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, and the psychological component (sleep disruption, anxiety) that often accompanies an infestation. Treatment addresses itching and infection acutely and pigment and scarring over time.

Cuts and lacerations

Lacerations from accidents, broken glass, dog bites and defective products. We assess wound healing, infection, retained foreign material and the scar that results, and provide scar management from silicone therapy and injections through laser revision.

Burns

Thermal, chemical, friction and radiation burns, including burns from cosmetic laser and IPL procedures performed elsewhere. Dr. Darvish, certified by the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, has particular expertise in laser and light-device injuries and in the pigment changes and scarring that follow burns in all skin tones.

Scarring and disfigurement

Hypertrophic scars, keloids, contractures, pigment loss and pigment excess, and the cosmetic and functional impact of each. We document the scar's dimensions, character and location, estimate the course and cost of future treatment, and perform the revision itself: keloid injections, radiofrequency microneedling, fractional laser and fillers for depressed scars.

Battery and assault injuries

Bruising, abrasions, lacerations, bite wounds and burns resulting from assault or battery, documented with the care that criminal and civil proceedings require, and treated through to the final cosmetic result.

What "on lien" means

A medical lien is an agreement between the patient, the attorney and the practice. The client receives evaluation and treatment now with no out-of-pocket cost. The practice's charges are paid directly from the proceeds of the settlement or judgment when the case resolves. The attorney acknowledges the lien in writing, and we provide itemized billing at customary rates. If you are an attorney with a client who needs dermatologic care, call 310-979-SKIN and ask for the lien coordinator, or send the lien agreement with the referral.

What attorneys receive

• Fast scheduling. Injury clients are seen within days at either office, often the same week.
• A complete evaluation. History, examination, diagnosis, causation opinion where appropriate, and prognosis.
• Standardized photography. Consistent lighting, scale and angles at every visit so progression and permanence are visible.
• Clear records. Legible, timely notes written with the understanding that they will be read by adjusters, opposing counsel and juries.
• Future treatment estimates. A written plan with the expected course of treatment, number of sessions and cost, for use in the demand.
• Treatment itself. From acute care to scar revision and pigment correction, all in-house.
• Testimony. Dr. Darvish is available for depositions and trial as the treating physician, and separately offers dermatology expert witness services for cases in which he is not the treating physician.

Why Dr. Darvish

Many personal injury clients are seen by a general practitioner or an urgent care and never by a dermatologist, which leaves the skin injury under-documented and under-treated. Dr. Darvish has treated skin injuries, scars and pigment disorders in Los Angeles since 2005, has twenty years of experience with the lasers and injectables used to correct them, and has substantial experience as a witness. He explains findings plainly, which juries appreciate, and he stands behind his documentation.

How to refer a client

Call 310-979-SKIN (7546) and let us know you are referring a personal injury client on lien, or have the client book a consultation online and note the referring attorney. We will send the lien agreement, schedule promptly at Brentwood or West Hollywood, and provide records to your office after each visit.