When we think of personal injury cases, many of us think of a set amount that can be awarded to pay for an individual’s medical costs so they can get back to the life they were living before their accident. However, burn injuries are unique in that they often are the result of traumatic, painful experiences and lead to permanent disabilities.
Below, we discuss how burns and scarring can impact personal injury award amounts.
Severity of the Burn and Long-Term Outcomes
Minor burns, such as sunburns and brief contact with hot objects, will heal naturally over the course of a few weeks. However, more severe types of burns often require emergency medical treatment, hospital care, post-burn treatments, and medications.
Burns are categorized into one of three categories based on the severity of the injury:
- First Degree. These typically only affect the outer layer of skin and often result in redness, minor swelling, dry skin, and moderate pain levels.
- Second Degree. These affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin, resulting in painful blisters, pain, and swelling.
- Third Degree. These are the most severe burns and affect all three layers of skin and may even cause damage to the nerves. Many third-degree burns lead to some form of scarring and physical impairment and may require skin grafts, plastic surgery, and amputation.
Three Types of Damages for Burn Injury Cases
When it comes to burn injury cases, there are three general types of damages that may be available. Ultimately, it will be up to your attorney and the experts they enlist, including medical doctors, to determine the total maximum compensation that a case is worth.
Economic Damages
These include the total costs related to your injury for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
While awards for non-economic damages are options for any personal injury case, they are often awarded in cases of burn injuries due to the traumatizing and permanent nature of these injuries. Some of the non-economic damages that may be pursued include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional injuries
- Permanent disability and scarring
- Lost quality of life
Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are awarded in Texas personal injury cases where there is clear and convincing evidence that harm caused to the plaintiff was the result of malice, fraud, or gross negligence. Your attorney can review your specific burn injury case to determine whether punitive damages may be pursued.
Protecting the Rights of Burn Injury Survivors
Where burn injuries are concerned, we understand that no amount of money can completely negate the trauma and pain you have experienced and how your life will forever be changed. We also believe, however, that responsible parties should be held accountable and you are not left to pay out-of-pocket.
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, our team of attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights of burn injury victims in Waco and across the state of Texas. We are well-versed in the issues that may arise in these cases and will do everything in our power to ensure you receive maximum compensation to begin moving forward with your life.
If you or a loved one suffered burns in an accident, contact the Law Offices of Vic Feazell at to speak with our legal team for free today.