There is no such thing as an average burn injury settlement in Virginia. There are too many factors that could affect these payouts. Every case is different. The amount of compensation you could recover depends on the circumstances of your accident, the severity of the injury, the cost of your treatment, and the long-term effects that you face.
When serious burn injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence, it is often possible to hold that party accountable and recover compensation. However, how much your case might be worth depends greatly on the case facts and the damages suffered. Working with a Virginia personal injury lawyer ensures you are seeking maximum compensation based on your accident and injuries.
Why is there No Way to Calculate an Average Burn Injury Settlement Amount?
Fair personal injury settlement ranges are not easy to calculate. While some costs, such as car repair estimates, are relatively easy to document, others are based on intangible losses or future expenses.
The goal of a personal injury case is to make the victim whole again. In other words, the payout should reflect the true scope of their injuries, expenses, and losses. Even in cases where both victims suffer similar burn injuries, the outcomes could be vastly different.
Factors that Influence Settlement Amounts in Virginia Burn Injury Cases
Several key factors significantly affect settlement values in Virginia burn injury cases. They include:
1. Severity and Extent of the Burns
In general, the more severe your burn injuries are, the more your case will be worth. Those with serious burns over a large portion of their body will likely require a long hospital stay, numerous surgeries, and rehabilitation.
2. Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Burns can cause serious disfigurement, especially when they affect the face, neck, or hands. Permanent scarring can affect not only self-esteem and emotional health, but also movement and abilities, since scar tissue can cause significant disabilities. You can pursue compensation for these non-economic losses.
3. Loss of Function or Long-Term Disability
Burns may limit mobility or cause chronic pain. In the most severe cases, they can even lead to limb loss. These lasting injuries and impairments could play a significant role in the value of your case if they affect your ability to return to work or live independently.
4. Psychological and Emotional Effects
Burn victims often live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or other mental health challenges. The emotional harm that comes along with serious burn injuries is intangible, but your attorney will seek compensation for them as a part of your noneconomic damages.
5. Who is Liable and the Strength of the Case
Having strong evidence of fault and liability will give your lawyer better leverage to make demands and recover fair compensation during settlement negotiations. When you have strong support for your claim, it makes it easier to secure the money you need and deserve based on your case facts.
Burn Injuries are One of the Most Expensive Injuries to Treat
Treating serious burn injuries often requires specialized treatments. It is a time-consuming, painful, and expensive process. The medical care for burn injuries could include:
- Emergency room assessment and stabilization
- Transfer to a burn unit or trauma center
- ICU hospitalization
- Multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries
- Pain management and infection control
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling
In Virginia, victims may receive treatment at the Evans-Haynes Burn Center at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. This is the state’s only burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Some trauma centers may have wound care units capable of providing treatment for burn injuries, as well.
Treating and living with burn injuries can also be expensive because they require highly specialized care, extended hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. Patients are often left with major out-of-pocket expenses, not to mention lost income and other related costs.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Virginia Burn Injury Claim?
Under Virginia’s personal injury laws, you can seek and secure economic and non-economic damages based on the facts of your case. This could include:
- Medical care and related costs, past and future
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Future care costs
- Home modifications and other related expenses
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
These laws apply in any case where someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. An attorney familiar with the type of accident you were hurt in is your best resource for documenting and recovering your damages. This could include any of the following professionals we have on staff:
- A Virginia car accident lawyer
- A Virginia truck accident lawyer
- A Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer
- A Virginia pedestrian accident lawyer
How Will a Virginia Burn Injury Attorney Help Me with My Case?
The best thing you can do while healing from serious burn injuries is to discuss your legal options with a personal injury attorney who knows Virginia law and understands burn injury cases. You can count on your lawyer to:
- Evaluate your injuries and damages
- Work with medical experts to project long-term effects and prognosis
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Fight for the compensation you need and deserve
Your attorney will navigate the process to build a strong case and pursue fair compensation while you heal. They will guide you through this difficult time and treat you with compassion and respect.
While Va. Code § 8.01-243 generally gives victims up to two years to file a lawsuit based on negligence injuries, some victims may have significantly less time to act. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible will ensure you meet all deadlines and give you peace of mind.
Talk to Our Virginia Burn Injury Team Today for Free
If you suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, we can help you understand your rights and advocate for a fair burn injury settlement on your behalf. Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, now for a FREE claim review. We will assess your options and discuss how our burn injury lawyers can fight for the justice you deserve.
Call or Text (571) 229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form