Average Burn Injury Settlements

Burn injuries are among the most devastating and painful injuries one can endure. At Wade Law in Fayetteville, Georgia, we understand the profound impact that burn injuries can have on victims and their families. This blog aims to shed light on the causes of burn injuries, who may be liable, the types of burn injuries, and the factors influencing burn injury settlements.

Contact our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

Causes of Burn Injuries and Who Is Liable?

• Chemical Burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals in industrial settings, laboratories, or even household environments can lead to severe chemical burns.
• Serious Car Accidents: Vehicle collisions can result in fires or explosions, leading to burn injuries. In such cases, the at-fault driver or a defective vehicle part manufacturer might be held responsible.
• Workplace Accidents: Employees in certain industries, such as construction or manufacturing, are at higher risk for burn injuries due to exposure to hot surfaces, flames, or hazardous materials. Employers are required to provide safe working conditions and adequate protective gear.
• Faulty Products: Defective products, such as malfunctioning electronics or unsafe appliances, can cause burns. Manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for injuries caused by their products.

Under Georgia workers’ compensation laws, employees who suffer a burn injury on the job can claim workers’ compensation benefits without needing to prove the employer was at fault.

If someone else’s negligence causes a burn, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit. In personal injury cases, you must prove the defendant was careless or reckless, their negligence caused the accident, and you experienced damages such as medical bills and pain and suffering.

Strict liability may apply in some defective product cases, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence if the product was unreasonably dangerous.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are categorized based on their severity.

First Degree Burns

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and minor pain. They usually heal without medical treatment.

Second Degree Burns

Affecting both the epidermis and underlying layer of skin (dermis), second-degree burns cause blistering, swelling, and more intense pain. The burned skin often has a wet or shiny appearance. Medical attention is often required to prevent infection and aid healing.

Third Degree Burns

Third-degree burns penetrate all skin layers and damage underlying tissues. The affected area may appear white, charred, or leathery. These burns can damage nerve endings. Third-degree burns typically require extensive medical care, including surgeries and skin grafts.

Fourth Degree Burns

The most severe type, these burns extend beyond the skin into muscles and bones. Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical treatment, extensive surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.

Factors in Burn Injury Settlements

Several factors influence the value of a burn injury settlement. Understanding these factors can help burn victims and their families navigate the legal process and ensure they receive fair compensation.

Size and Severity of Burns

The extent and depth of the burns significantly impact the settlement value. More severe burns, such as third-degree and fourth-degree burns, usually result in higher compensation due to the extensive treatment and long-term care required.

What Body Part Was Burned

Burns on sensitive areas like the face, hands, or joints can lead to more complications and a longer recovery process, thus increasing the settlement amount.

How Long It Takes to Heal

The longer a burn takes to heal, the greater the impact on the victim’s life. Prolonged recovery periods often lead to higher settlements due to ongoing medical expenses and potential complications.

The Impact on Your Life

Burn injuries can cause permanent scar tissue, physical and emotional pain, and permanent disability. The overall impact on the victim’s quality of life, ability to work, and daily activities are crucial factors in determining settlement amounts.

Burn Injury Lawsuits and Damages

Pursuing a burn injury lawsuit involves seeking compensation for various types of damages. At Wade Law, we strive to secure maximum compensation for our clients, including:

• Medical Treatment: Covers all medical expenses related to the burn injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work during recovery. This can also include future lost earnings if the burn injury results in long-term disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain endured by the burn victim. This includes the distress and trauma caused by the injury and the recovery process.
• Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Burns often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem and mental health.

In some cases, Georgia courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for gross negligence or reckless disregard for others’ safety.

Average Burn Injury Settlements

Burn injury compensation varies depending on the severity and extent of the burn.

Second Degree Burn Settlements

The average settlement value for second-degree burns can range from $10,000 to $50,000. Factors influencing the settlement amount include the size of the burn, the body part affected, the duration of medical treatment, and the impact on the victim’s daily life and work. For example, burns on the face or hands might result in higher settlements due to their impact on appearance and functionality.

Third Degree Burn Settlements

The average settlement for third-degree burns typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000. The higher settlement amounts reflect the severity of the injuries, the need for prolonged medical care, and the substantial impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Additionally, third-degree burns often lead to significant pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, which are important considerations in determining the settlement value.

Fourth Degree Burn Settlements

The average settlement value for fourth-degree burns can exceed $1 million. This reflects the catastrophic nature of these injuries, the extensive medical treatments required, and the profound impact on the victim’s life.

Call a Burn Injury Lawyer Today!

Burn injuries can have life-altering consequences, and pursuing a burn injury lawsuit can be a complex process. At Wade Law in Fayetteville, Georgia, we are dedicated to helping burn victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through personal injury cases and ensure you receive fair burn injury settlements.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, contact Wade Law today for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you rebuild your life after a burn injury.