How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Burn Injury?

Burn injuries are among the most painful and traumatic experiences a person can endure. Even moderate burns can cause nerve damage, intense scarring, infections, and weeks — sometimes months — of excruciating recovery. Victims often face multiple skin graft surgeries, long hospital stays, and lasting emotional trauma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 398,000 burn injuries in 2021 required medical treatment, making burn injuries a significant public health concern. The physical pain is only part of the struggle; the financial toll of medical treatment and lost income can be just as overwhelming. If you've suffered a severe burn, our experienced fire and explosions lawyers know that you deserve compensation that truly reflects the depth of your injuries and the road ahead.

Average Settlement Amounts for Burn Injuries in NY

Burn injury settlements can range from less than $10,000 for minor burns to millions of dollars for severe burns that cause permanent disability and disfigurement. The value of a burn injury settlement varies based on several factors, but understanding the typical ranges can help victims set realistic expectations:

• First-degree burns: The average settlement amount of a first-degree burn is less than $10,000. These injuries typically involve only the outer layer of skin and heal relatively quickly with minimal scarring.
• Second-degree burns: Based on burn injury attorneys' experience, the average settlement amount for a second-degree burn is between $25,000 and $75,000.
• Third-degree burns: These burns can have a settlement value ranging from $200,000 to $800,000 (and far beyond in some cases). Third-degree burn injuries can be worth anywhere from around $100,000 to millions of dollars.
• Fourth-degree burns: Because of the severity of the burns, these cases are often worth millions of dollars.

Key Factors That Influence Burn Injury Compensation

Several critical factors determine how much compensation you may receive for your burn injury case:

Severity and Extent of Burns

The severity and extent of the burns are the most critical factors, as they will largely determine the amount of compensable damages. Generally, the more severe the burn, the greater the victim's entitlement to a larger settlement. The classification system helps determine severity:

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
• Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and dermis layers.
• Third-degree burns penetrate through all skin layers into fat tissue.
• Fourth-degree burns extend into muscle, bone, and other deep tissues.

Location and Visibility of Scarring

Burns that cause extensive scarring, especially on more visible parts of the body, will drive up the settlement amount. Facial burns, hand burns, and other visible injuries typically result in higher compensation due to their impact on the victim's appearance and quality of life.

Medical Treatment Required

The type and duration of medical treatment have a significant impact on settlement value. More severe burn injuries require:

• Emergency medical attention
• Specialized burn unit care
• Multiple surgeries
• Skin grafts
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Long-term rehabilitation

Impact on Daily Life and Work

Burn injuries often result in:

• Extended time off work
• Reduced earning capacity
• Inability to perform job duties
• Need for career changes
• Permanent disability

Age and Life Expectancy

Younger victims typically receive higher settlements because they face a longer lifetime of dealing with the consequences of their injuries, including ongoing medical needs and lost earning potential.

Types of Compensation Available

Burn injury victims in New York can pursue various types of damages:

Economic Damages

These damages cover the direct, measurable financial losses incurred due to the burn injury. They are designed to compensate the victim for out-of-pocket expenses and lost income.

• Medical expenses: Any current and future medical expenses that resulted from the injury, including:
  
  • Hospital bills
  • Surgery costs
  • Medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Medical equipment
  • Home healthcare
• Lost wages: Any lost wages from not being able to work due to the burn injury. Additionally, for some more severe burn injuries, one's earning ability may be significantly impaired.

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond the direct financial costs, burn injuries often inflict immense personal suffering. Non-economic damages address these intangible losses that significantly impact a victim's quality of life.

• Pain and suffering: How much pain and suffering the victim has experienced as a result of the injury. This can include non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.
• Mental health counseling: Any mental health counseling costs the victim. Because of the extreme emotional distress of a serious burn, the victim may require counseling or therapy.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages

If the victim ends up dying from the burn injuries, his or her family and loved ones may also be able to obtain wrongful death compensation.

One Call Changes Everything: Let Fellows Hymowitz Rice Fight for Your Future

Burn injury compensation settlements in New York vary significantly based on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the accident, and the skill of your legal representation. While minor burns may result in smaller settlements, severe burns can lead to substantial compensation that reflects the victim's life-changing injuries. Contact us today for a free case review. Your fight will now be our fight!