What Are Potential Settlements In A Burn Injury Case?
Suffering from any type of injury can be a challenging experience. One type of injury in particular that can be difficult to manage and recover from is a burn injury. In some cases, a bad burn can lead to permanent damage, loss of mobility, the inability to work, and significant pain and suffering. If you are injured in an accident that results in a burn, you should be due proper reimbursement for your damages from the negligent party. There are several types of items that could be included in a potential settlement for your burn injury case. These items are typically broken down into economic and non-economic damages.
Potential Settlements In A Burn Injury Case
Economic Damages
When you are injured due to a bad burn, you are likely going to incur some economic damages. The economic damages are typically defined as identifiable costs that you have incurred as a result of the burn injury. Typically, these costs will be confirmed and validated by providing receipts and invoices as well as making reasonable estimates related to future expenses. These can include a few different types of costs.
Medical Bills
Anyone that suffers any type of burn in an accident should receive medical attention. Even if it is not major, you should see a doctor to have it cleaned and checked out. This can help you avoid infection or other setbacks. With second or third-degree burns, you may need much more significant medical attention. This can include spending time in the hospital and going through larger procedures to help reverse the damage as much as possible. The medical bills in these situations can add up quickly.
Ongoing Therapy And Support
Beyond the initial medical bills, you also may incur costs for therapy and other ongoing medical support. Depending on the severity of your burn, you could require therapy for a long time following the accident. You should be able to estimate how much money that will be and then include this in any settlement request.
Lost Wages And Loss Of Income
One of the most significant economic damages that you can incur as a result of a burn injury is if you have lost wages or your entire source of income. If you have had a bad burn injury, you may have to take time off away from work, which can lead to lost wages. In some cases, loss of mobility and other injuries can make it impossible for you to return to your job in the future and could preclude you from receiving similar work. This lost income can be substantial as it can impact you for a long time. Lost wages and income should always be included in a lawsuit or settlement request.
Funeral Expenses
In some very challenging situations, the burn victim will pass away as a result of their injuries. In these cases, it is acceptable for a direct family member to file a burn injury negligence lawsuit against another party. When these types of lawsuits are filed, you can also incorporate the costs of the funeral and burial.
Non-Economic Damages
While it is important that you include all economic damages in a burn injury lawsuit, you should also include any non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are typically damages that are more challenging to define and value during the legal process. These typically refer to physical and emotional pain and trauma that has been incurred due to the burn.
Some examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, strain on personal relationships, and anxiety and depression. When it comes to valuing non-economic damages in a lawsuit, the process normally will look to precedents set in prior cases in which similar damages were awarded for similar injury cases. The total damages awarded will typically be negotiated but may require an arbitrator or judge to come up with a final determination.
If you have suffered a burn injury that was due to the neglect of another party, you should always seek out the guidance provided by an experienced attorney. In many cases, filing a lawsuit is the most effective way to ensure you receive the reimbursement and support that you are entitled to. This can be done through either a settlement or judgment in court. When you want to file a successful burn injury lawsuit, calling the team with Stephenson Rife LLP is a great option. The team here will offer a range of legal services which will help ensure you are properly represented and receive the best outcome possible.
