What Impacts My Burn Injury Settlement?

What Impacts My Burn Injury Settlement?

Suffering a burn injury in a car accident can be both physically and emotionally devastating. In Georgia, the compensation you might receive for such injuries varies significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the burn, the location of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, and the impact on your daily life. Grasping these factors can help set realistic, practical expectations for your potential burn injury settlement.

Understanding Burn Injury Severity

Doctors classify burns into four degrees, each indicating the depth and severity of the injury:

• First-Degree Burns. Impact only the outer skin layer, resulting in redness and pain. These are typically minor and heal within a week.
• Second-Degree Burns. Involve the outer and underlying layers of skin, leading to blisters, swelling, and more intense pain. Healing can take several weeks, and scarring is possible.
• Third-Degree Burns. Extend through all layers of the skin, potentially affecting deeper tissues. These burns can cause numbness due to nerve damage and often require skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation.
• Fourth-Degree Burns. The most severe, extending beyond the skin into muscles, tendons, and bones. These injuries often result in permanent disability or disfigurement and may necessitate amputations.

Potential Burn Injury Settlement Ranges by Burn Degree

The compensation for burn injuries in Georgia varies based on the degree of the burn and its impact.

• First-Degree Burns. Due to their minor nature, settlements are typically below $10,000. For instance, a case in Pennsylvania awarded $10,000 for a first-degree burn resulting from a car accident.
• Second-Degree Burns. These injuries can lead to settlements ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity and long-term effects. For example, a child in Georgia received $150,000 for second-degree burns caused by hot coffee at a daycare.
• Third-Degree Burns. Severe burns can result in settlements exceeding $100,000. A notable case in Georgia awarded $903,000 for third-degree burns sustained during a physical therapy session.
• Fourth-Degree Burns. As the most catastrophic, these injuries can lead to settlements over $1 million. A Florida case awarded $105.6 million for fourth-degree burns resulting from a vehicle fire.

Factors Influencing Burn Injury Settlement Amounts

Several elements can influence the final settlement amount:

• Severity and Location of the Burn. Burns to visible areas like the face or hands, or those resulting in permanent scarring, can increase compensation due to the impact on appearance and functionality.
• Medical Expenses. The cost of emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care is a significant factor in determining settlement amounts.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity. If the injury prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, compensation may include lost income and reduced future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering. The settlement considers non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Liability and Insurance Coverage. The extent to which the at-fault party is liable and the available insurance coverage can affect the burn injury settlement. Georgia law requires a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, but many drivers carry higher limits.